Saudi Arabia said Monday it has lifted a temporary ban on importing chicken from 15 U.S. states after they have succeeded in controlling Avian Influenza (bird flu).

The ban was imposed in 2015, covering eggs and other chicken-related products except cooked food and products that could prove to have had the virus killed, according to a statement by Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

Bird flu H5N1, a highly pathogenic virus, has caused serious outbreaks in domestic poultry in the Middle East and parts of Asia. The first human infection was recorded in Hong Kong in 1997.

Source : XINHUA