Risk in importing eggs

Certain species of Salmonella bacteria found in hens can pass into their eggs and cause disease in people - particularly in children. The bacteria are passed during the formation of the egg yolk in the ovaries. Since there is no way to disinfect the egg yolk, the only method of control is to identify and remove any infected hens in a laying flock.

In Sri Lanka, Salmonella enteritidis – a human pathogen - is present in flocks and all registered hatcheries are subjected to regular inspection under the Animal Diseases Act to ensure that these procedures are carried out.

Import of eggs or yolk into Sri Lanka carries the risk of introducing new varieties of Salmonella and is analogous to the attempt made by the Government – fortunately prevented by the plant quarantine services

- to import compost containing harmful bacteria and infect our soils for evermore. The call from the National Poultry Association to prevent the import of eggs and yolk should be heeded.

PROF.SIVALI RANAWANA