The ministry said that the ban is imposed as a means of protection against bird flu and other life-threatening diseases.

A statement issued from the ministry said sale of chickens and chicks in public places as well as selling of chicks as pets are banned as these may lead to spread of life threatening diseases like bird flu.

According to Miadhu News, the ministry reported that animals can be only imported with prior written authorization of the ministry. It further revealed that such authorizations will be given following submission of health certificates or veterinary certificates conforming to international health standards.

The ministry called upon exercising of caution in importing items like eggs and meat at such a time of diseases such as avian flu.

Fisheries and agriculture ministry in 2005 banned import of all live birds except day-old chicks due to reports of avian influenza in some Asian countries. Live chicken can only be imported from countries with no reports of bird flu.