CARACASE, Oct. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Venezuela's Ministry of Agriculture announced Thursday that the country will close its border with Colombia in three states to avoid the spread of bird flu virus.

    The announcement was made after cases of bird flu were found in some of Colombian poultry farms.

    The Venezuelan government decided to close border in Tachira, Zulia and Apure until the Colombian government formally announces a total control of the disease.

    Other preventive measures taken in Venezuela include a nationwide poultry monitoring system which monitors poultry viruses and keeps the track of migratory birds entering the country, and a ban on import of poultry products from Colombia. Enditem