The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU), on Monday urged EU member states to implement a ban on all imports of feathers and live birds from Russia and Kazakhstan

The ban is implemented with immediate effect due to confirmed outbreaks of Avian Influenza (AI) in the two countries, said a Commission press release.

Russia and Kazakhstan have been added to the list of nine Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan and Malaysia, not allowed to export birds, their meat or products to the EU because of AI.

"No ban is necessary for eggs, poultry meat or meat products on this occasion, as there is no trade between Russia and Kazakhstan and the EU in these products," the press release said.

The EU's Standing Committee on the Food Chain will review the decision when it meets next month.

Source: Xinhua