Riau bans chickens from Malaysia

PEKANBARU, Riau: The province of Riau has banned the entry of chicken and eggs from Malaysia following reports on the spread of bird flu in the neighboring country, a local official said on Wednesday.

"Up to now, we have yet to reopen the imports of chicken, beef and eggs from Malaysia," Riau husbandry office head Agustaruddin said, adding that the imports were temporarily stopped a month ago.

He said the decision was taken after the bird flu case was discovered in Kelantan state, Malaysia.

The imports would resume if a competent Switzerland-based authority declares Malaysia free of bird flu. --JP