The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 20) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in the Municipality of Amyndeo of Greece, the CFS has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that no poultry meat or poultry eggs were imported from Greece to Hong Kong last year.

     "The CFS has contacted the Greek authorities 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/Monday, February 20, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:10

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