Bahrain ban Lebanese poultry after bird flu outbreak

Manama : Importing birds from Lebanon has been banned by the authorities, it was announced yesterday.

Agriculture and Marine Resources Directorate of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry said in a press statement yesterday that the decision was taken as the Mediterranean country has been badly stricken by bird flu lately.

The directorate said that the step comes to protect the Kingdom from such epidemics, adding that all sectors of its Supervision and Animal Health Department are on high alert and would not allow imported poultry and birds from Lebanon to enter Bahrain.

“All previously issued permits to import poultry and birds from Lebanon have been suspended until further notice as a precautionary procedure,” stated Supervision and Animal Health Director Ibrahim Yousif. He confirmed that the decision came in effect starting yesterday to ensure protection of public health.

Lebanese media reported during the past few days that a bird flu outbreak is threatening Lebanese farms and food security.