(Image source: RitaE/Pixabay)

The Centre for Food Safety has contacted the South African authorities over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health on avian influenza outbreaks 

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced on 10 October 10, that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in Matjhabeng Local Municipality, South Africa, it has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the 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 South Africa in the first six months of this year.

"The CFS has contacted the South African 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.

Pakistan eyes on international markets to export poultry and poultry products. (Image source: buhanovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Pakistani government is seeking to explore new markets for export of meat and dairy products with a focus on Global Halal Food Trade

(Image source: Skeeze/pixabay)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week that the government of South Korea has lifted its ban on imports of U.S. poultry and poultry products, including fresh eggs

Pakistan is aiming to be a hub for halal meat as well as poultry, beef and veal. (Image source: Marcia OConnor/Flickr)

Pakistan will boost exports of poultry products to the United Arab Emirate (UAE), a move through which the country is aiming to be placed in the top ten exporters to the UAE