LUSAKA, Aug. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The Zambian government has with immediate effect banned the import of all poultry and poultry products from South Africa after an outbreak of avian influenza commonly known as bird flu in that country, the official Times of Zambia newspaper reported Saturday.

    The Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development and the Poultry Association of Zambia announced the ban in a joint statement released Friday.

    Director of the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development Peter Sinyangwe said his department would not allow transit of these products through Zambia.

    Anyone found in possession of these products would have them destroyed, he said. Enditem