*********************************************************

In view of Malaysia reporting to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that a H5 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza had been detected in Kelantan, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (August 20) that the Government had suspended the import of live birds and poultry meat from Malaysia.

"No live birds and poultry meat will be allowed to be imported from Malaysia until further notice. Birds in transit will be subject to test and hold on arrival in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.

Ends/Friday, August 20, 2004

NNNN