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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (May 21) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of low-pathogenic H7N1 avian influenza on a poultry farm in the Province of Catalonia, Spain, it has banned the import of poultry and poultry products, including poultry eggs, from the Province with immediate effect for the protection of Hong Kong's public and animal health.
A CFS spokesman said about 4 600 tonnes of frozen poultry meat was imported into Hong Kong from Spain last year.
"We have contacted the Spanish authorities over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE on the avian influenza outbreaks in the country. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:59
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