PHNOM PENH, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government on Monday imposed a ban on poultry entry from neighboring countries in precaution against bird flu invasion, officials told reporters here on Tuesday.

    Health officials were told to strictly enforce the order following recent outbreaks of bird flu in Vietnam and Thailand, said Kao Phal, director of animal health at Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery.

    They are also asked to closely monitor poultry transportation in the border areas in order to prevent smugglers, he said.

    "There could be shady business people importing poultry from neighboring countries, which could cause the spread of bird flu in Cambodia and affect the health of people and birds," the order said.

    Meanwhile, the government stipulated that only local poultry with safety guarantees can be circulated within the country.

    It also reminded local people who used to celebrate their festivals with poultry to handle sacrifices and meals carefully.

    Since 2003, bird flu has killed six people in Cambodia.