Bird flu sparks Malay import ban

THE EU has banned the import of feathers and pet birds from Malaysia where an outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed.

Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne said the highly contagious poultry disease can cause severe economic damage and may be transmitted to humans.

“We can take no risks when it comes to the import of products or birds that might introduce this virus into the EU”, he said.

The ban will stay in force until December 15, when the situation in all countries with confirmed cases of bird flu will be reviewed. The EU does not import live poultry or hatching eggs from Malaysia.