Friday, February 10 2006 17:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Government has extended the ban on import of livestock and livestock products as a precautionary measure against bird flu.

The Centre had effected the ban in 2003 when the first outbreak of bird flu was reported in some South East Asian countries and has been extending it due to continued threat of avian influenza.

The last notification was issued on August 11, 2005, and the Government has issued a fresh notification on February 8 to extend the ban.

As per the notification issued by Directorate General of Foreign Trade, import of domestic and wild birds including captive birds; unprocessed meat and meat products from Avian species including wild birds (except poultry); semen of domestic and wild birds has been banned.

Further, the Government has also prohibited the import into India of such products from the countries reporting the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Fowl Plague).

These products include live poultry, ducks, turkey and other newly-hatched avian species; meat and meat product from Avian species including wild birds; eggs and egg products; feathers; live pig and pig meat products; pathological material and biological products from birds; product of animal origin (from birds) intended for use in animal feeding.