China detects bird flu virus in duck feathers exported from Bangladesh

Chinese authorities have detected bird flu virus in a batch of washed duck feathers exported from Bangladesh, said sources.

The Bangladesh embassy in Beijing has already notified Dhaka about the detection of "H5 Avian Flu Nucleic Acid" in a batch of washed duck feathers, suggesting scaling up quarantine and supervision measures for export consignments.

Wishing anonymity, a senior commerce ministry official acknowledged the receipt of the letter recently.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza Type A viruses. These viruses naturally circulate among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the letter sent by the Bangladesh embassy, the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China has requested Bangladesh to conduct a thorough investigation and provide feedback by December 10, 2023.

The Chinese customs has also recommended that Bangladesh take necessary steps to strengthen quarantine and supervision measures for products exported to China.

The Bangladesh embassy has recommended that the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) take strong measures to ensure the continued export of bird-related products to China.

Referring to the Chinese customs, the letter stated that the unqualified consignment of a Bangladeshi company with the unqualified goods had been destroyed.

A senior official from the commerce ministry confirmed that the ministry has received a letter from the Bangladesh Embassy in China and that the matter has been forwarded to the relevant authorities for further action.

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