Chicken ban confirmed

EU experts on Wednesday confirmed a ban on poultry exports from the USA.

The ban was introduced by agriculture ministers in Brussels last week but had to be confirmed by this week’s meeting of veterinary experts.

It followed an outbreak of avian flu in Texas.

The committee issued a statement saying that the situation “does not allow a reduction in the protection measures".

The EU imports 25 per cent of its eggs from the USA – a total of 13,000 tonnes or €20 million in trade.

Half of those eggs are for hatching while the rest are destined to be eaten.

In particular Europe relies on America for turkey eggs and chicks, with the total value of day old chick imports at €2.5 million.

The ban came into force on February 24 and will be reviewed at the next meeting of EU agriculture ministers on March 23.

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