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A spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau announced today (January 23) that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has temporarily suspended the processing of applications for special permit/import licence for importing live birds or poultry meat from Thailand until more information is available for the suspected outbreak of avian influenza cases in that country.

The spokesman said: "This is a precautionary measure in view of the suspected avian influenza situation in the country. We will seek clarification about the situation in Thailand from the relevant authorities and the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), which is the international authority on animal health and disease."

Ends/Friday, January 23, 2004

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