EU Extends Poultry Ban to August 15

BRUSSELS - Feb 3/04 - SNS -- The European Union (EU) has extended the ban on imports of live birds and poultry products from several Asian counties until August 15.

This move affects imports of fresh chicken meat and chicken products from Thailand and pet birds from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, China, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

EU Officials said, "It will be kept under constant review with a view to amend it earlier if the situation allows for it. Avian influenza is a highly contagious poultry disease that can cause severe economic damage to the poultry industry and can be transmitted to humans. Although the risk of importing the virus in meat or meat products is probably very low the EU wants to make sure that any possible transmission is avoided."

Commenting on the decision, Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne said "We are taking every possible measure to prevent the introduction of avian influenza from the countries affected in Asia in line with our veterinary legislation based on international guidelines. I am pleased that we are receiving the full support of our Member States in this regard.

"Clearly, we must all remain vigilant and Member States must ensure that the import ban is fully respected at ports and airports. Our import ban is designed to keep the disease out of Europe so that neither our citizens nor poultry stocks should be at risk. Travellers to the affected regions should follow WHO guidance."

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