The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has temporarily suspended the importation of game meat derived from wild Civet cats, a member of the weasel family, to protect public health.

The measure was taken after Hong Kong University researchers discovered there may be a link between SARS and wild Civet cats. The Health, Welfare & Food Bureau will study the findings and consider whether the ban should continue.

The importation of all types of live Cvet cats been banneed since 1994 for disease-control purpose.

The bureau called on the public to refrain from having contacts with wild Civet cats and other wild animals as zoonotic diseases could be contracted through contact with animals.

The public should wash their hands thoroughly if they have contacts with wild Civet cats and other wild animals.