Kuwait bans live bird imports from Tunisia, France due to WNV

KUWAIT, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) has banned live bird imports from Tunisia and France for the outbreak of West Nile fever in the two countries.
Acting PAAF Director General Nabila AlKhalil Faisal Al-Hasawi issued the decision on Sunday, providing that all incoming consignments will be subjected to the PAAF's requirements and restrictions, in line with the relevant procedures of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the veterinary quarantine systems in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
In case infectious or epidemic diseases are spotted, a shipment will be rejected and the importer will be committed to return it to the source country, Al-Hasawi stressed.
The decision was taken against the backdrop of OIE recent reports on outbreak of WNF in Tunisia and France. (end) mf.abd.msa