March 4, 2010

 

Bangladesh bans chick imports from India

 

 

The government of Bangladesh has again banned imports of day-old chicks and eggs in the wake of a recent bird flu outbreak in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

 

The ban overrides an earlier order that had relaxed a 17-year ban on the imports that had caused furore in the local poultry industry.

 

The Commerce Ministry had requested the National Board of Revenue to take strict measures to ensure that day-old chicks and eggs were not imported from countries affected by bird flu. The revenue board authorities were also asked to receive a list of bird flu affected countries from the Livestock and Fishery Ministry.

 

The Bangladesh Poultry Industry Association welcomed the decision to impose the ban, saying it would protect the public from health hazards and also safeguard the interests of the local industry.