The Hindu Business Line : SAARC nations impose ban on poultry imports

EVEN as officials of international agencies such as the FAO and the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the threat of bird flu would continue for the next couple of months, health officials of the SAARC nations on Monday decided to enforce a temporary ban on import of live poultry, poultry meat products, egg and egg products from the affected countries.

Addressing newspersons after the meeting, Mr J.V.R. Prasada Rao, Health Secretary, said, "We have decided to call for strict infection control measures in human and animal healthcare facilities as well as at community level."

He added that surveillance method needed to be strengthened and the focus should be on livestock and human health of each country. A temporary ban on the import of exotic aviary birds from all the countries has been imposed.

The Health Minister, Ms Sushma Swaraj, said that there is a need for consultation, coordination and a concerted action by the SAARC member nations to effectively counter the outbreak of epidemics such as avian influenza.

Emphasising on countering the `panic' related to such threats, Ms Swaraj said even though not a single case of avian influenza has been reported in India the panic button has already been pressed. "Equally important should be our resolve to deal with the uncalled for panic," she said.

More Stories on : Exports & Imports | Poultry | Health

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
India pre-pays ADB loans worth Rs 5,294 crore

US seeks enhanced trade as India raises BPO issue

L&T to focus on nuclear, defence, aerospace sectors

SAIL plans to expand capacity to 20 mt in 8 years

TMB issue: Pact signed for share transfer

Global Trust Bank mulls rights issue

FII inflows to persist despite IPO rush, say brokers

SAARC nations impose ban on poultry imports