Bhutan originally imposed the indefinite ban in February after an outbreak
of the H5N1 avian
influenza virus occurred in poultry in India's Maharashtra state.
India declared itself free of the virus on 12 August, based on a report of
the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL).
The lifting of the ban comes with several conditions aimed at minimising
the risk of egg-borne and poultry meat-borne diseases like avian flu.
"This would ensure and safeguard public health and guarantee that only safe
and quality poultry products are made available for general consumers in
Bhutan," said Bhutan's
agriculture ministry.
The ministry said all poultry meat must be processed with proper packaging
and must be from a Government of India certified unit.
"All consignments should be transported in refrigerated vehicles to Bhutan
and the quantity of each consignment will be specified," the statement
said.
Prices of chicken and eggs in Bhutan skyrocketed after the ban was put in
place, owing to the scarcity of local produce.
