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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 23) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Maradi Region in Niger, it has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the region with immediate effect for the protection of public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that no poultry meat or poultry eggs were imported from Niger last year.
"The CFS has contacted the Niger authorities over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE on avian influenza outbreaks in the country. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.
Ends/Thursday, April 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:19
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