April 24, 2007

India guards against poultry smuggling from Myanmar

India has issued orders to its border security force to tighten checks to prevent smugglers from bringing in poultry from Myanmar.

A number of bird flu cases had broken out in Myanmar recently and India is eager to stop the virus from spreading to its own poultry, where it caused millions in losses last year.

India's Animal Husbandry Department has also stepped up poultry testing in recent weeks, especially in areas near Myanmar, and has also spoken to local village leaders to monitor poultry.

The local population has also been warned against the disease through TV advertisements and leaflet distribution.