New outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Asia and Europe have prompted more extensive biosecurity measures. Meat Industry Publication Meatingplace reports those measures include bans on poultry and poultry product imports. South Korea has confirmed 22 million birds have been culled in the wake of several outbreaks over the last month and Taiwan has ordered a slaughterhouse to be disinfected after two chickens tested positive for HPAI. Japan is also preparing to cull another 120,000 birds. Meanwhile, authorities in Hong Kong issued a ban on poultry products from Japan, citing the outbreak where 27.4 million broilers are produced each year. Separately, China has ordered a halt to poultry sales in the wake of the confirmation of HPAI along with additional import bans of poultry from a growing list of affected countries.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.