Temporary ban on live animals and meat products from Tamil Nadu

Upon sighting of cases of anthrax in live animals in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Health has prescribed a temporary ban on import of all kinds of live animals and meat products from Tamil Nadu to the Maldives.

A Statement issued today by the Health Ministry said that anthrax has killed more than 20 cows in two villages of Tamil Nadu during this month, and that Maldives would take precautionary measures for the time being, to prevent the disease which has not been found in the Maldives yet.

The Ministry also said that import of live animals and meat products from some other states of India has also being temporarily put on hold due to the issue.

The World Health Organization has also expressed concern due to the sighting of anthrax in live animals in Tamil Nadu.

The Statement by the Ministry of Health also gives instructions as to how to handle meat products, including an advice not to use meat products from Tamil Nadu dated after 31st December 2012.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has also issued a similar Statement, temporarily banning import of cows and goats from Tamil Nadu. The Statement said that the ban would be active until a new Statement confirms control of the disease in Tamil Nadu. The Statement also said that legal action would be taken against any party which violates the ban.

Anthrax is a disease which can be deadly to humans.