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In view of the reports released by the Korea Central News Agency that a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in chicken farms near Pyongyang and Hadang, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (March 29) that the Government would suspend the import of live birds and poultry meat from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) with immediate effect.

"No live birds and poultry meat will be allowed to be imported from DPRK until further notice," the spokesman said.

Ends/Tuesday, March 29, 2005

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