EU blocks imports over bird flu fears

BRUSSELS, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The European Commission is calling for a ban on all imports of feathers and live birds from Russia and Kazakhstan over bird flu fears.

The commission, in urging all member states Monday to block such imports, added Russia and Kazakhstan to the list of nine Asian countries -- Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, North Korea, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam -- not allowed to export birds, their meat or products to the European Union over bird flu concerns.

No ban is necessary for eggs, poultry meat or meat products, as there is no trade between Russia and Kazakhstan and the EU in those products.