Abu Dhabi: The UAE has banned the import of all live birds and their by-products from the republics of Czech and Togo after cases of bird flu were reported there.

A resolution to this effect was issued by Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, Minister of Environment and Water, after the ministry had received reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health about infected cases of bird flu in the two countries.

The ban covers live pets and wild birds, their products, derivatives and waste.

"The precautionary move aims to protect human and animal health and safety and to prevent any infiltration of animal epidemic or communicable diseases into the country,'' the resolution added.