Imports of live poultry, day-old chicks and pet birds from the Mainland will be suspended for three weeks in view of a confirmed human avian flu case in Guangzhou, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

The Government will reconsider the situation three weeks from now to decide whether to resume the supply of live poultry and birds to Hong Kong.

Speaking to the media tonight, Dr Chow said the bureau had discussed adjusting the arrangement of live poultry and birds supply to Hong Kong with the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine.

Stringent inspection

He said the suspension allows the relevant Mainland authorities to conduct comprehensive investigations, adding his Mainland counterparts supported the extra precautionary measures.

"The live poultry and poultry products supplied by the Mainland are all subject to stringent inspection and quarantine requirements. So far, no abnormalities have been identified. The temporary suspension is only a preventive measure," Dr Chow added.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Departments will step up inspection and monitoring of the hygiene conditions in all local farms, wholesale and retail markets.

The Customs & Excise Department will strengthen its efforts to crack down on smuggling activities on birds and poultry.

Strengthened measures

The Department of Health will send officers to the Mainland to get a clearer picture of the situation and will implement the following measures:

* Enhance health education for travellers at all immigration control points through distribution of leaflets and displaying of health messages besides maintaining temperature screening for inbound travellers at all immigration control points;

* Inform the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong about the case and update health advice to the organisation;

* Update all doctors of the current situation and remind them to report suspected avian influenza cases; and

* Collaborate with public and private hospitals to enhance surveillance for suspected bird flu cases.

Speaking to the media tonight in Beijing, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Hong Kong is well prepared for a possible bird flu fight, adding response mechanisms will be escalated according to well laid-out plans.