September 29, 2004

Japan Lifts Ban On Poultry Imports From 3 US States

Japan has lifted a ban on US poultry imports from the states of Rhode Island, Delaware and Maryland on Tuesday. This move comes as product safety was confirmed with no fresh outbreaks of bird flu there.

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries imposed the ban on US poultry imports on February 7 following the discovery of chickens infected with avian flu in Delaware.

On June 9, Japan lifted the ban on imports on all states except the three states in question. Connecticut, New Jersey and Texas also remained banned, where the end of an outbreak of a less virulent type of bird flu had not been confirmed.

The import ban will stay for imports from Connecticut, New Jersey and Texas, according to the ministry.