MANAMA: Lawmakers in Bahrain are calling for a blanket ban on pork imports and products in the country following the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico.
“Pork consumption is forbidden in Islam. The outbreak of this flu, which has killed dozens, will make our case stronger to outlaw pork from the Kingdom,” said MP Sheikh Adel Al-Moawada.
The deputy from Al-Asala bloc said he would be raising the issue in Parliament to garner support from MPs to pass the proposal. MPs are recommending either a two-month jail term or a fine of SR3,000, or both, for anyone in Bahrain who imports, sells or possesses pork. They are also calling for amendments to the Penal Code to enact these punishments.
Health authorities are taking all steps to protect citizens from swine flu by spreading awareness about the disease. Dr. Salman Abdulnabi, director of Animal Wealth at the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, said that precautions were taken at all veterinary quarantines to meet the WHO standards, especially a ban on livestock from countries with plagues.
Al-Moawada, who also heads Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Committee, said the decision, if implemented, would be in line with religious thoughts and would promote a healthy atmosphere.
Swine flu affects pigs. The recent outbreak has caused panic among pig breeders and farmers in Mexico and the US. The symptoms of the deadly flu are similar to those of the ordinary flu — high fever, headaches, sore throats and general tiredness. There is no special vaccine to cure the disease.
