The Hindu Business Line : Fresh ban on import of livestock products

THE Government has re-imposed the ban on import of livestock and livestock products into the country, following reports of fresh outbreak of Avian Influenza or bird flu from Thailand, Vietnam, China and Indonesia.

In a notification, dated August 6, issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Agriculture, the Government has said that the "prohibition shall be in force for a period of six months from the date of publication (of the notification) or till such time it is modified or withdrawn, whichever is earlier".

The products covered in the ban, imposed under Section 3 (1) and Section 3 A of the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898, are domestic and wild birds (including captive birds), live pig and pig meat products (except processed pig meat products), meat and meat products from avian species including wild birds (except processed poultry meat and poultry meat products), semen of domestic and wild birds and products of animal origin (from birds) intended for use in animal feeding or for agricultural or industrial use.

In addition to the above ban applicable to imports from all countries, the Government has clamped a prohibition on import of specific products from countries reporting the outbreak of bird flu.

The products covered under this head are day old chicks, ducks, turkey and other newly hatched avian species, hatching eggs, eggs and egg products, meat and meat products from avian species including wild birds, feathers, pig meat products and pathological material and biological products from birds.

The Government had earlier on January 29 imposed a similar ban on import of livestock and livestock products. "The latest notification effectively extends the date of the ban by six months, keeping in view the fresh incidence of bird flu in certain countries", an Agriculture Ministry official said.