MALE, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Maldivian government warned locals on Tuesday against importing live birds, for food or any other purpose, from Kerala of India, amid an outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in the region.

The Maldives Health Ministry, in a statement, warned against importing live birds, bird flesh, bird eggs, or other products made from bird eggs.

"Over a 15,000 ducks have died in Kerala from the virus," the ministry said in the brief statement, "Kerala has begun an operation to cull over 200,000 birds which maybe carrying the fast- spreading virus".

"Citizens are advised to thoroughly wash their hands after having touched bird eggs or containers carrying bird eggs in order to safely avoid contracting bird flu," said the statement.

The Maldives has not reported any cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses.

However, Indian media reports have revealed that the influenza virus which had hit Kerala's duck rearing region Kuttanad, has been brought under control.

The total number of ducks culled stood at 150,000.

The farmers, who had lost their birds, will be compensated financially by the Indian government.