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Following media reports that avian influenza (H5N2) has been diagnosed in ostriches in the Eastern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said this morning (August 7) that the Government has suspended the import of live birds and poultry meat, including ostrich meat, from South Africa.

"No live poultry and birds and poultry meat, including ostrich meat, will be allowed to be imported from the Republic of South Africa with immediate effect until further notice. Birds in transit will be subject to test and hold on arrival in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.

Ends/Saturday, August 7, 2004

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