Permanent task force set up to check bird flu

According to decree No. 1 of 2007, the task force, which would consist of experts in this field and drawn from all official health institutions of the state, will, among other things, work to prevent entry into the UAE of poultry products and live birds in the custody of travellers entering into the country.

The task force will consist of representatives from the UAE Armed Forces, the Ministry of Health, the Interior Ministry, the General Authority for Health Services and the Dubai Medical Services Authority.

The six-article decree clearly outlines the prerogatives of the task force, which shall work closely with the Head of the Secretariat of the National Emergency Committee.

Decree No. 2 of 2007 prevents entry into the country of all poultry products and live birds through travellers entering into the UAE.

No traveller entering the UAE shall be allowed to carry with him whatever quantity of any raw or un-manufactured poultry product or live birds, including egg, meat, or even a feather, the decree says and urges all federal and local government institutions to see to the strict implementation of the two decrees.

It also urges the Foreign Ministry, all residency and naturalisation departments, all border guards administrations and all other related bodies to take the necessary steps to notify travellers visiting the UAE about the new measures.

Article 4 of the decree urges the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Customs Departments to confiscate all seized items and impose the appropriate fines on travellers who violate the new decree, which takes effect from the date of its issuance.

The decree urges the Chairman of the National Emergency Committee Secretariat to take the necessary measures to ensure its strict implementation.