Several countries have imposed restrictions on Belgian poultry imports following an outbreak of avian influenza in Belgium, affecting trade with thirteen nations including China, Japan,

and Russia. Among these countries, five have enforced a complete prohibition on Belgian poultry imports.

China, Cuba, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Africa have instated a strict embargo on all poultry originating from Belgium's entire territory, as confirmed by the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain.

Eight other countries and regions have imposed partial embargoes, restricting imports solely from specific areas where infections have been identified. This list includes Hong Kong, Iraqi Kurdistan, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

Additional countries or regions might have also taken measures, such as declining to issue import licenses.

The H5 strain of avian influenza has been detected at four locations in Belgium this winter. Since December 9, both professional and hobbyist poultry keepers have been mandated to protect their flocks.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can impact various bird species. However, there is currently no scientific evidence suggesting that the H5 virus identified in this outbreak poses a threat to humans. Photo by Bergere2005, Wikimedia commons.