Cattle slaughtering, transporting, sale of beef in Kekirawa suspended: MOH

The slaughtering of cattle and the transport or sale of beef in the Kekirawa MOH division has been suspended by health authorities until further notice to prevent the spread of a cattle plague.

MOH Dr. Asitha Kosala Thanippuliarachchi said he has informed the Kekirawa Pradeshiya Sabha to temporarily close all slaughter houses and beef stalls in the area with immediate effect.

He said the virus identified as LDS causes the disease among cattle and that steps were taken to suspend the slaughter of cattle, transport and sale of beef to prevent the spread of the disease.

Dr. Thanippuliarachchi said the Kekirawa Veterinary Office had confirmed the spread of the plague and that steps had been taken to prevent it and to safeguard public health.

He said the cattle plague had spread to the North-Western Province and steps have been taken to suspend the beef trade. (Kushan Jayawardene)