Japan lifts ban on poultry from US state

Japan has lifted its ban on poultry imports from the US state of Nebraska. The ban was put in place in April following an outbreak of low pathogen avian influenza in poultry flocks.

The ban was raised after the Japanese agriculture officials had been satisfied that the US had taken sufficient measures to ensure the poultry meat was safe.

However, the Japanese agriculture ministry has maintained its ban on imports of poultry meat from North Carolina and Minnesota, because it says it is not satisfied the states are clear of low pathogen avian influenza.

Reports from Japan are also indicating that the country could relax its restrictions on imports of beef because of BSE fears. At present bans imports of beef from cattle over 20 months old but it is believed that this could shortly be raised to 30 months.

Source: USAgNet