January 11, 2006

Germany issues stronger warning against poultry imports from Turkey

A warning against the importing of poultry from Turkey has been issued by the German government. Strong measures would be taken against anybody breaching an EU ban.

Agriculture Minister Horst Seehofer said whoever is illegally importing products from regions affected by bird flu will be behaving in an irresponsible and negligent manner. He said the 'strongest measures' will be taken against people who try.

Very strict controls are in place at Germany's borders to check for poultry coming from Turkey and other affected countries, he said.

In October, the European Union issued a ban on imports of live birds, poultry and poultry products from Turkey.

Seehofer said the federal government will look at further tightening controls in several German states very soon.