IP/06/329

Brussels, 17 March 2005

Avian Influenza: Import restrictions on Israeli poultry and poultry products following confirmed outbreaks of H5N1

The Commission has decided to ban imports of live poultry, poultry meat, eggs and poultry products from Israel, following confirmation from the Israeli authorities today of an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in two turkey farms in the Ha Darom region, and two suspected outbreaks in turkey farms in the Ha Darom and Jerusalem regions. Heat-treated poultry products from Israel will still be allowed to be imported, as will meat and meat products from poultry slaughtered before 15 February 2006 (considered to be outside the incubation period of the virus). Today’s Decision will be reviewed by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health when it meets next Thursday.