Chennai (PTI): Badly affected by the ban on poultry imports from India due to bird flu,Tamil Nadu Government plans to set up a sterile poultry zone, free from the avian virus to resume exports of poultry products from the state.

Though no cases of avian virus have been reported, Tamil Nadu's poultry exports were badly hit by the ban after the outbreak of the virus in West Bengal.

Replying to a debate on the demands for grants pertaining to her ministry, State Animal Husbandry minister P Geethajeevan said the zone would fulfill the regulations of World Trade Organisation and International Organisation for protecting animals from diseases.

She said the state was maintaining a strict vigil to see that bird flu did not occur in the state.