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The first consignment of 1,200 chilled geese and 600 chilled ducks imported from the Mainland this evening (June 21) since the suspension of poultry meat import from the Mainland on January 30 have all passed the testing for avian influenza H5 virus.

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said samples were collected from the consignment upon arrival at Man Kam To for rapid screening testing for H5 virus.

"Results of laboratory tests confirmed tonight that all the samples were negative for the virus. The chilled geese and ducks have been released for sale," he said.

The department has started processing applications for import of frozen and chilled poultry since March 11. The import of chilled geese and ducks from the Mainland resumed today after the Mainland authorities have been satisfied with the control measures taken by the relevant farms and plants to prevent avian influenza.

The importation of frozen ducks has resumed since April 29.

Ends/Monday, June 21, 2004

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