Hong Kong has put an immediate ban on eggs and other poultry products from Manitoba’s Rural Municipality of Wallace‑Woodworth after Canada confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a commercial farm.The Centre for Food Safety said it directed importers to stop shipping eggs, chilled or frozen chicken, and any processed poultry from the Westman district. The order followed a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) notice that the H5N1 strain was detected May 2 in a flock inside the municipality.“Officials are in contact with the Canadian authority and will keep tracking international updates,” said WOAH. .Further restrictions will depend on if the outbreak expands.Government trade data show Hong Kong bought no Canadian poultry or eggs in this year’s first quarter, yet the suspension remains as a precaution.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) lists two active bird‑flu investigations in Manitoba. Only Wallace‑Woodworth involves a commercial operation..The other case was reported on May 6 in neighbouring Boissevain‑Morton and is part of a “backyard flock.”Nationwide, the CFIA is monitoring 17 infected places with most of them in Ontario. Movement controls remain in place around each infection site while veterinary teams cull birds, disinfect barns, and trace possible spread.Health officials stress that properly handled, fully cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.
