Japan Lifts Suspension on Poultry Imports from Hungary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries confirmed that Hungary was free from avian influenza in its poultry. In response, it lifted the temporary import suspension effective July 17, 2026.

The measure was prompted by confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks at poultry-raising facilities in Hungary. The suspension covered live poultry, poultry meat, and related products from affected areas in Hungary.

The purpose of the import suspension is to stop imports of live poultry, poultry meat, related products, poultry eggs, and similar items from affected countries or regions, thereby preventing virus infection among live poultry raised in Japan. It is not a measure for food safety.

To lift the suspension, Japan confirmed Hungary's freedom from the disease using information provided by the Hungarian veterinary authority concerning avian influenza control measures and related matters.

Hungary's import records, in order for 2023, 2024, and 2025, show "-" for live poultry in each year; 438 tonnes, 307 tonnes, and 185 tonnes of poultry meat; 197 tonnes, 241 tonnes, and 126 tonnes of poultry organs; and "-" for poultry eggs in each year.

In the same order, Japan's total imports are listed as 255,166 birds, 306,325 birds, and 438,309 birds of live poultry; 1,079,290 tonnes, 1,159,638 tonnes, and 1,139,574 tonnes of poultry meat; 325 tonnes, 323 tonnes, and 211 tonnes of poultry organs; and 40,510 tonnes, 24,983 tonnes, and 34,076 tonnes of poultry eggs.