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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 3) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Hamerkaz District of Israel, it has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area concerned with immediate effect for the protection of Hong Kong's public health.
A CFS spokesman said Hong Kong did not import any poultry meat or poultry eggs from Israel last year.
"The CFS has contacted the Israeli authorities concerned over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE on avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:02
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