The Assam government has temporarily banned the import of poultry from the western states after the outbreak of bird flu reported in some parts of the country. The government in a notification issued on Saturday said the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza is a highly contagious avian disease having zoonotic potential of causing a huge loss in terms of mortality and trade of poultry.

As a precautionary measure, entry of poultry through the western border is banned temporarily, the notification said. Advisories have been issued to the authorities concerned for active and targeted surveillance against the disease.The Veterinary department has also discussed the issue with Forest department officials to enhance vigil in the State.

“We have asked the Forest department to keep a close watch over places which are habitats of migratory birds and their adjoining villages,” a veterinary officer said. Assam imports around 20 lakh chicks (one-day-old) from other states every week.