Administration bans import of poultry into J&K : Bird Flu

Jammu: In an order issued on Thursday, Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the government announced a complete ban on import of poultry and unprocessed poultry meet for any purpose into J&K with immediate effect, till January 14.

“In the wake of spread of bird flu in neighbouring states of J&K as a measure of abundant precaution and in view of the declaration of the whole J&K as “Controlled Area” for bird flu disease. Government of UT J&K imposes complete ban on import of live birds including poultry and unprocessed poultry meat for any purpose into the union territory of J&K with immediate effect,” the order reads.

It further adds that the decision on the import ban will be reviewed based on the evolving situation.

The order on banning poultry imports comes a day after government said on Wednesday that no cases of bird flu or avian influenza has been detected in the union territory and urged people not to panic or stop using poultry products, even as it issued an advisory to poultry owners and dealers for the prevention of the spread of the disease.

The advisory was issued by the Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Department to stakeholders related to the poultry sector including poultry owners, dealers, retailers and consumers.

The advisory directed the poultry farmers to improve biosecurity measures in the farms and not allow any artificial ponds, small water bodies inside and around the farm premises which may attract wild birds and is a risk to the poultry.