UAE bans live bird imports from Russia

The ban follows the outbreak of a highly pathogenic strain of H5N2 bird flu.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) announced the ban of all live birds from Russia, following the outbreak of a highly pathogenic strain of H5N2 bird flu.
Based on a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of the outbreak in the region of Rostovskaya Oblast in Russia, the MoCCAE has implemented the protective measures banning the import of all species of domestic and wild live birds, ornamental birds, chicks, hatching eggs, meats and meat products and non-heat-treated wastes from the affected region. 
The ministry has also implemented the ban on previously infected provinces - Kurskaya Oblast, Astrakhanskaya Oblast, Respublika Kalmykiya, Kostromskaya Oblast, and Voronezhskaya Oblast in the Russian Federation. 
Dr Majid Sultan Al Qassimi, director of animal development at health department at the MoCCAE, said: "These measures reiterate the ministry's keenness in achieving its strategic objectives including enhancing bio-security levels and eliminating pathogens before they enter the country. In doing so, the ministry prevents the bird flu virus and impacts on the country's poultry health and safety."