The Palestinian National Authority ( PNA) on Tuesday announced banning importing birds and poultry and its products from areas infected with bird flu.

The PNA Ministry of Agriculture said in a written statement sent to reporters that due to the disease that hit several areas in the Southeast Asia and eastern Europe is highly contaminated and may be passed into our region, the ministry took the banning decision.

The statement said that the geographical location of the Palestinian territories is in a strategic position, where migratory birds are passing by, especially those from northern Russia.

It added that the ministry did all its best and we are well- prepared for any case and we will work seriously to prevent transferring the disease to the Palestinian territories.

The statement clarified that the ministry would work on getting rid of the infected chickens in case the flu emerges in the Palestinian territories, adding that a recommendation was presented to the cabinet to issue a decision that compensates the owners of the infected chickens.

In addition, the ministry announced to form a joint national committee with the Ministry of Health to follow the local and international developments of the bird flu.

Asaa Ramlawi, general director of health care in the Ministry of Health, also announced that the PNA decided to ban importing live and frozen birds, eggs and poultry products from the areas hit by bird flu.

Source: Xinhua