An outbreak of bird flu among pelicans is prompting authorities in Venezuela to take urgent efforts to protect poultry producers, AP reported, cited by BTA.

Scores of pelicans were found dead over the weekend along the Venezuelan coast as the species arrived amid its annual winter migration.

Other pelican outbreaks have prompted bird flu warnings in Peru and Ecuador.

In recent months, bird flu has been affecting migratory birds in North America and many other countries.

Peru and Ecuador have declared an animal health emergency due to bird flu

The bodies of the pelicans have appeared on beaches and shores, mangroves and on trees in the northwestern state of Anzoategui.

Tests show positive cases of bird flu.

As a preventive measure, the government imposed a 90-day quarantine on five states: Anzoategui, Sucre, Nueva Esparta, Miranda and La Guaira.

Agriculture Secretary Wilmer Castro Soteldo suggested in a statement that the National Institute of Agricultural Health will work to avoid the spread of the disease to birds of other species, especially those that are consumed by humans.

The rules prohibit the movement of live birds and fertilized eggs from the quarantined states, and entire flocks that may have had contact with infected birds must be culled, the statement said.

The lack of live birds is already evident in the markets of Caracas.

Chicken is one of the main ingredients of a traditional Venezuelan dish known as "halaca" - cornmeal with meat, vegetables and fruit.

"I found it strange that at this time of year I didn't see a single live hen in the market. I hope that chicken or eggs will not be hard to come by for Christmas," commented Gabriela Medina.