A permanent task force for emergency health cases related to bird flu will be set up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Emirates News Agency reported on Sunday.

The task force will work to prevent entry into the UAE of poultry products and live birds brought by travelers, according to an administrative decree issued by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's interior minister.

"No traveler entering the UAE shall be allowed to carry whatever quantity of any raw or un-manufactured poultry product or live birds, including eggs, meat, or even a feather," the decree said.

The task force will comprise experts and representatives from the government and the armed forces.

A bird flu outbreak in Kuwait, detected on Feb. 25, has raised concerns in the Persian Gulf region.

It was reported Kuwait had controlled the virus to a large extent, with the total number of cases at 53.

HA/TM/AVA