The imports of chicken, eggs and chicks from the U.S. will be completely banned from Monday, as a case of a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza was reported at a Tennessee farm.
 
The Agriculture and Food Ministry issued a complete ban on the imports of live chicks, ducklings, poultry, pet birds and eggs from all regions of the U.S. However, heat-treated meat and processed eggs are exempt from the ban.
 
According to the ministry, the outbreak of highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza was recently confirmed in a commercial breeding farm raising a flock of 73-thousand chickens.
 
Since February 24th, the ministry has been completely banning the imports of chicks and eggs from Spain, which recently reported a case of H5N8 avian influenza.
 
As a result, South Korea will import chicks, poultry and hatchery eggs only from New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Chicken meat from Brazil, Chile, the Philippines, Australia, Canada and Thailand will also be allowed.