New Delhi, Feb 17: Saarc nations have decided on a temporary ban on import of poultry and related products including feed, vaccines and medicines from bird flu affected countries. A resolution to this effect was passed at an emergency meeting of secretary level officials of members nations India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. Giving details, Health Secretary J V R Prasada Rao said the meeting also recommended a temporary ban on import of exotic aviary birds from all countries. The Saarc region is so far been largely free from the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), rapidly spreading in parts of East and South-East Asia through the H5N1 virus. The grouping has called for the setting up of two national focal points, one each for livestock and human health in each country, to facilitate implementation of decisions taken at the regional level. A milder strain of the virus has already been detected in Pakistan. To check further spread of the disease in the region, mechanisms for surveillance, recording, reporting, diagnosis and pooling of expertise and resources and information sharing within the grouping has been suggested. An early setting up of Saarc surveillance centre, and a rapid deployment of health response system has been proposed for the purpose. The representatives called for strict infection control measures in animals and humans and bringing healthcare facilities down to the community level. The member-nations have also decided to strengthen cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Bureau Report