Kuwait bans import of live birds from several countries

KUWAIT, March 22 (KUNA) -- The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) issued Thursday a temporary ban on importing all types of live birds, eggs, and chicken chicks from several countries due to avian influenza emergence.
The decision states banning the import of birds from Switzerland, Ireland, UK, and a number of Southeast Asian countries, PAAF said in a press statement.
It is important to subject all shipments from these countries under requirements and regulations of PAAF's Animal Health Department, PAAF added.
The shipments would also be subjected to World Health Organization's Animal Health requirements and regulations as well, in addition to procedures enlisted in the veterinary quarantine regulation in Kuwait and GCC States.
PAAF would reject any incoming shipment infected with any epidemic disease or illness after checking their items in the authority's labs.
Importers are required to return all infected birds and animals to their destination countries and pay for all expenses, the authority affirmed. (end) mf.nfa.ma