Import suspension of poultry meat and egg products from Bulgaria

In order to prevent the introduction of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus into Japan, MAFF has suspended the import of poultry meat and egg products from Bulgaria, including those shipped through third countries, based on the "Animal Health Requirements for poultry meat etc. to be exported to Japan from Republic of Bulgaria", and the Article 37 and 44 of "the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Disease Control" since 20 February 2020. Poultry meat products derived from animals slaughtered on and after 22 January 2020 and poultry egg products derived from eggs laid on and after 22 January 2020 are not eligible to be exported to Japan, taking into consideration the incubation period of the HPAI virus stipulated in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.