03 May 2009
Damascus - Experts at the Ministries of Agriculture and Health discussed during a meeting on Saturday the steps taken to prevent the entry of swine flu to Syria and the means to achieve this goal and preserve public health and livestock.
Director of Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Ziad Nammour affirmed that Syria is completely free of the disease, pointing out to the standing cooperation between his department and pig breeders regarding ceasing pig breeding to protect public health.
He also pointed out to the coordination with Jordan in exchanging protective procedures, in addition to the efforts to dispose of wild boars safely, particularly in the Yarmouk Valley area.
Director of Environmental and Terminal Diseases at the Minsitry of Health Dr. Hani al-Lahham said medical points in airports and border checkpoints have been activated and that people arriving in Syria are being given awareness pamphlets and directed to consult with Ministry of Health centers if they feel any symptoms.
Therapy and tests for the swine flu are free at these centers, and any diagnosed case will be transferred to an independent and specialized hospital. So far, there have been no diagnosed cases of swine flu in Syria.
On Sunday, Dr. Ziad Nammour denied media reports that the Ministry of Agriculture approved a decision to slaughter all pigs in Syria.
In a statement to SANA, Dr. Nammour said the Ministry agreed with breeders to stop breeding pigs due to the small size of stocks that aren't in licensed farms. He also thanked pig breeders for their cooperation with the Ministry.
Damascus - Experts at the Ministries of Agriculture and Health discussed during a meeting on Saturday the steps taken to prevent the entry of swine flu to Syria and the means to achieve this goal and preserve public health and livestock.
Director of Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Ziad Nammour affirmed that Syria is completely free of the disease, pointing out to the standing cooperation between his department and pig breeders regarding ceasing pig breeding to protect public health.
He also pointed out to the coordination with Jordan in exchanging protective procedures, in addition to the efforts to dispose of wild boars safely, particularly in the Yarmouk Valley area.
Director of Environmental and Terminal Diseases at the Minsitry of Health Dr. Hani al-Lahham said medical points in airports and border checkpoints have been activated and that people arriving in Syria are being given awareness pamphlets and directed to consult with Ministry of Health centers if they feel any symptoms.
Therapy and tests for the swine flu are free at these centers, and any diagnosed case will be transferred to an independent and specialized hospital. So far, there have been no diagnosed cases of swine flu in Syria.
On Sunday, Dr. Ziad Nammour denied media reports that the Ministry of Agriculture approved a decision to slaughter all pigs in Syria.
In a statement to SANA, Dr. Nammour said the Ministry agreed with breeders to stop breeding pigs due to the small size of stocks that aren't in licensed farms. He also thanked pig breeders for their cooperation with the Ministry.
By H. Sabbagh / Ghossoun
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2009
