HK bans import of poultry meat, products from Vietnam's province

Hong Kong has banned import of poultry meat and products from a province in Vietnam due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza there.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said Wednesday that the decision has been taken in view of a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health on the outbreak in Son La Province, Vietnam.

At present, the department's Center for Food Safety has established a protocol with Vietnam for imports of salted duck eggs but not for poultry meat.

Due to the development of the outbreaks in Vietnam, imports of salted duck eggs from designated egg processing plants in all infected regions have also been suspended.

"The center has contacted the Vietnamese authorities over the issue and will closely monitor information on avian influenza outbreaks in the country," the center said.

It added that appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation. Endit