The Omani Ministry of Agriculture banned import of live bird products from India last year after reports of the outbreak of avian flu in some parts of the North Eastern region. The ban has been lifted now.

The Omani authorities have lifted a blanket ban on import of live bird products after Indian authorities claimed that ban on import of live bird products from entire India was unjustified as the avian flu was limited to North Eastern region. Moreover firm steps have been taken by the Indian government to prevent spread of avian flu to other regions. All the infected birds have been culled.

An official said: "As a result of concerted efforts by Government of India, Omani Ministry of Agriculture, in accordance with their Ministerial Decree No 168/2008, lifted the ban of live bird products from India."

"It was also impressed that the affected birds were culled and isolated to prevent further spread of avian flu."