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A spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said tonight (January 15) that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) would not process any applications for special permit/import licence for importing live birds or poultry meat from Taiwan for the time being in view of reports of avian influenza outbreaks in the area.

"This is a precautionary measure in view of the evolving avian influenza situation in the region. We will seek clarification about the situation in Taiwan from the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), which is the international authority on animal health and disease," the spokesman said.

In 2003, Hong Kong did not import any live poultry or poultry meat from Taiwan, but there was a small number of live pet birds imported from Taiwan. Import of live birds and poultry meat into Hong Kong from Taiwan requires a special permit issued by AFCD and an import licence by FEHD respectively.

Ends/Thursday, January 15, 2004

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