December 21: Following the confirmation of bird flu outbreak in Malda district of West Bengal, India, import of poultry and poultry products including poultry feeds from Assam and West Bengal has been banned with immediate effect.

The Ministry of Agriculture says the transport of poultry and poultry products via Assam and West Bengal will also not be allowed. However import of poultry and poultry products from designated farms or processing plants in unaffected states of India will be allowed. But it has to be transported by air.

Agriculture ministry has also banned the import of poultry feeds from Samrat feed mills in Siliguri with immediate effect.

Transport of animal and poultry feeds manufactured in Bhutan via West Bengal and Assam states will be allowed. However all the feed bags have to be fully covered and sealed at the place of origin in the presence of BAFRA officials.

The seal will again have to be verified and opened in the presence of BAFRA officials at the entry point of the destination.

The department of livestock will reinforce veterinary vigilance team for clinical and laboratory surveillance. The team will also carry out door to door advocacy and public awareness along the southern border dzongkhags.

Regulatory and quarantine activities like disinfection of vehicles and other risk goods at all entry points will be reinforced.