EU bans Russia & Kazakhstan poultry over bird flu

The European Union has banned the import of feathers and live birds from Russia and Kazakhstan, with immediate effect, following the confirmation of outbreaks of bird flu in both regions.
Outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 bird flu, which has killed over 50 people in Asia since 2003, has been reported in Russia and, later, in neighbouring Kazakhstan since mid-July.
The EU added the two countries to the list of nine Asian countries; - Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, China, Vietnam, North Korea, Pakistan and Malaysia - not allowed to export birds, their meat or products to the EU because of bird flu.
A ban has not been imposed on eggs, poultry meat or meat products from Russia and Kazakhstan, as there is no trade between Russia and Kazakhstan and the EU in these products.
The Standing Committee on the Food Chain will review the decision when it meets in September.
Source: Europa