US helps Lanka prevent Avian Influenza

COLOMBO: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over key supplies to the Ministry of Livestock Development to strengthen Sri Lanka's early warning and reaction capacity against Avian Influenza, said the US Embassy.

A ten month USAID partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will strengthen the Government's is Avian Influenza preparedness by preventing incursion of the disease and setting up systems to block its spread to epidemic proportions should it enter the country.

"Thankfully, Sri Lanka remains free of Avian Influenza," USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn said. "Should the disease strike here the consequences could be devastating."

The supplies include 4,500 suits of personal protection equipment, 1,500 rapid test kits, and 40 decontamination kits crucial to a quick and decisive response by the Department of Animal Production and Health to mitigate the possibility of an epidemic.

Minister of Livestock Development C.B. Ratnayake expressed his gratitude to USAID on behalf of the Government for the donation, as did FAO Country Representative Pote Chumsri.

"The old saying 'an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure' really applies for the prevention of Avian Influenza," Cohn said. "USAID is pleased and proud to do its part in preparing Sri Lanka to react quickly and decisively to potential threats of the disease."