Thimphu: Bhutan has banned the import of poultry and its products including poultry feeds from neighbouring Assam and West Bengal in the wake of outbreak of avian influenza in these states.

According to the country’s ministry of agriculture, the transport of poultry and poultry products via Assam and West Bengal will also not be allowed.

However, import of poultry and its products from designated farms or processing plants in unaffected states of India will be allowed only by air.

The ministry has also banned the import of poultry feeds from Samrat feed mills in Siliguri with immediate effect.

It said transport of animal and poultry feeds manufactured in Bhutan via West Bengal and Assam will be allowed only if all the feed bags are fully covered and sealed at the place of origin in presence of Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (Bafra) officials.

The seal will again have to be verified and opened in the presence of BAFRA officials at the entry point of the destination.

Earlier in the month Bhutan had banned the import of eggs and frozen chicken from Assam and West Bengal.