Malaysia bans poultry from Thailand

Malaysia has banned chicken imports from Thailand and stepped up security measures to prevent people smuggling birds across the border.

The country imported 769 tonnes of chicken from Thailand between September and November this year, the Malaysian Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry said.

However, this week permits for the import of chicken or chicken parts were frozen by the country, The Star reported, with security stepped up along the borders to prevent chicken smuggling.

Last week, Thailand reported its first case of bird flu in several months in the historical district of Sukothai north of Bangkok.

The area went under monitoring by the World Animal Health Organisation.

Malaysian Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry's Mustapa Mohamed told the press the move was a precautionary measure.

The first case of bird flu was found in south-east Asia, according to the World Health Organization.

Avian influenza can spread to humans who come into contact with poultry through rearing or culling birds.

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