‘Imports won’t bring bird flu to Ireland’

THE “bird flu” cannot be introduced here by the importation of poultry products from affected areas in south-east Asia, Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said yesterday.

She said importation of live poultry and certain poultry products from Asian countries infected with the disease has been prohibited since January 23, 2004.

The department has increased its checks on commercial products and products in personal luggage from these countries.