Ministry of Fisheries, Marine resources and agriculture temporarily bans import of bird breeds from countries affected with Bird Flu (Avian Influenza).
According to an announcement released by the Ministry, this is a precautionary measure taken against the highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) from entering the Maldives. The lift of the ban will be announced later on.
WHO reports, As of 24 January 2020, highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses caused 24 outbreaks in domestic poultry in six countries between 30 December 2019 and 18 January 2020. The countries are Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Czech Republic.
The ministry also states that the announcement dated 5th February 2020 regarding the import of live animals to the Maldives is null and void from hereon after.