October 24, 2005

Russia bans Turkish poultry imports following bird flu

Russia has banned Turkish poultry imports following the recent bird flu outbreaks there, the country's government said. This was a precautionary measure, as Russia did not import poultry from Turkey.

All live birds, hatching eggs, poultry meat and products, poultry feed and equipment for keeping and slaughtering birds would be covered by the ban.

Russia had earlier banned Romanian poultry imports after the virus hit the country as well.

Meanwhile, Switzerland's government said it has ordered for all domestic poultry to be kept indoors, to prevent contact with migratory birds that might carry the disease. The order also affected poultry markets and shows.

The order would come into effect next week and last until mid-December. Mandatory registering of poultry was also implemented.

In response, the Swiss poultry industry said they understood the measures.

Meanwhile, Swiss officials said recent tests on migratory birds turned up negative for bird flu.

The country has already banned poultry imports from bird flu-hit countries including Turkey and Romania, while stepping up border inspections.