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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (February 8) that, subject to formal confirmation of details of the outbreak from the relevant authorities, the Government would temporarily cease processing of applications for the importation of live birds and poultry meat from the State of Delaware in the United States as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
"We shall seek further information from the United States Government on the details of the outbreak before we consider whether or not additional precautionary measures should be taken to protect public health. We will also make reference to the guidelines and recommendations of the Office International des Epizooties, which is the international authority on animal health and diseases," the spokesman said.
The United States is one of the major suppliers of frozen and chilled chickens to Hong Kong, accounting for over 40 per cent of total imports, the spokesman added.
Ends/Sunday, February 8, 2004
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