ISLAMABAD, Jan 28: The federal cabinet approved on Wednesday the recommendations of the health ministry to ban inter- provincial movement of chickens and destroy all affected birds in the southern part of Pakistan.

The measures have been taken to avoid the spread of bird flu that has infected chickens in Karachi and its adjoining areas. As a matter of precaution, the cabinet also approved a ban on import of chicken birds from the suspected areas.

The ministry of health has been asked to advise the provincial health and livestock departments to ensure that the destroyed birds are not used for animal or any other feed.-APP