********************************************************
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 6) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Niamey City, Tillaberi Region of Niger, it has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the country with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said Hong Kong has not established any protocol with Niger for the import of poultry meat or eggs. There is no import of such commodities from Niger.
"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/Monday, June 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:51
NNNN
