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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said some 1 000 dead chickens have been collected from 31 farms today (February 5).
"About 550 dead chickens came from a farm with some 13 000 chickens. We are aware of chicken deaths in the farm since February 1.
"Though the number of dead chickens in the farm for the past few days is much smaller, we have taken samples on February 1 for testing. Test result showed that the samples were negative for avian influenza.
"The farmer reported to us today a large number of dead chickens and the dead chickens were all small chicks. The chicks probably died of Newcastle Disease. We would help the farmer to control the disease.
"More samples were taken today for testing of avian influenza. The farm did not send any chicken to the wholesale market today. We would continue to closely monitor the situation," the spokesman said.
Ends/Thursday, February 5, 2004
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