TEHRAN- Head of Veterinary Organization Mahdi Khalaj has said that no trace of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu has been detected in Iran over the last four weeks.

Avian flu was brought under control in the northern province of Mazandaran and other areas in the country through the enforcement of a strict health policy with the assistance of local officials and the Ministry of Agriculture, the results of which have been reported to World Health Organization (WHO), Khalaj said, the Mehr News Agency reported on Saturday.

Avian flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that is hosted by birds, but may infect several species of mammals. 

Khalaj indicated that people can eat chicken and egg without any concern, referring them to the website affiliated with the WHO for more information on the topic.

The neighboring countries of Iraq and Afghanistan have been informed of the healthful condition of Iran’s poultry productions and the Veterinary Organization is ready to approve necessary permits for related exports, he added.

In June, Qasem Janbabayee, chancellor of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, and other local officials confirmed the outbreak of a new type of flu avian in a number of villages in the province this year, ISNA reported.