April 27, 2015
Hong Kong bans the import of poultry meats and products from Niger
Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced last week that in response to the notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) regarding an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Maradi Region, Niger, the country has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including eggs) from the affected region with immediate effect.
Hong Kong did not import any poultry meat or eggs from Niger last year, according to a CFS spokesman. The spokesman further cited that the center has made contact with the Niger authorities over the issue, and will closely monitor information released by the OIE on outbreaks of avian influenza in the country. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the epidemic.