Azerbaijan bans poultry imports from Iran over bird flu threat

Azerbaijan has temporarily banned the import of poultry and poultry products from Iran due to a bird flu outbreak in the neighboring country.

The State Service for Veterinary Control (SSVC) reported that over 25 million birds have died due to the outbreak. The virus is particularly widespread in the north-west provinces bordering Azerbaijan, with more birds dying on a daily basis.

As birds pass through Azerbaijan on migratory paths, the SSVC recommended that farmers and citizens who run domestic poultry farms keep their birds indoors in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

“Azerbaijan has banned not only the imports of live birds but also poultry products and hatching eggs,” the SSVC spokesperson Yolchu Hanveli told the Trend news agency.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated USD 50 000 to Azerbaijan in order to support urgent efforts to address the threat of avian influenza including the procurement of any necessary equipment. The corresponding test equipment has been purchased with funds provided by the State Oil Fund.

The Azerbaijani state news agency AzerTag cited the chief of the State Veterinary Service saying no cases of ‘bird flu’ have been reported in Azerbaijan, and that it’s safe to buy and use poultry from local broiler farms.