China has suspended the direct and indirect import of poultry and related products from Spain after Spanish authorities confirmed a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in the northern Basque region on 4 August. The General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued a joint notice dated 7 August, saying the ban takes effect on Thursday and will remain until the disease is eradicated. Spain’s agriculture ministry said the commercial impact is minimal because shipments had not yet begun. Although Beijing and Madrid signed a protocol in April to allow exports of certain poultry items, including turkey and chicken feet, companies’ applications were still under review when the ban was announced. Madrid added that it is working with the World Organisation for Animal Health to contain the outbreak and seek the removal of restrictions.