The Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) has urged the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to stop refugees from entering the country with live or processed poultry products to stave off possible bird flu virus, Zambia Daily Mail reported Thursday.

PAZ executive manager Mathews Ngosa said in Lusaka Wednesday that restricting poultry imports is essential to reduce risks since there is documented evidence that some of the products carry the bird flu virus without showing symptoms of the disease.

He said the ban should therefore be adopted and supported by all government and private agencies to prevent the spread of the bird flu virus to domestic poultry.

About two weeks ago some refugees were reported to have entered Zambia with poultry.

Ngosa said if left unchecked, it could badly affect the industry and the people of Zambia.

But ZRA said it has been implementing and will continue doing so on all restriction and bans the government has effected.

ZRA corporate communication manager Matilda Tembo said ZRA will appreciate any information on any ports from which prohibited goods are entering.

Source: Xinhua