The Government has stopped imports of chicken from the state of Delaware while it awaits details from the American authorities of the bird flu outbreak in that state.

The Health, Welfare & Food Bureau said the Government will seek more information from the US before it considers whether other precautions should be taken to protect public health.

The bureau said it would also make reference to the guidelines and recommendations of the Office International des Epizooties, which is the international authority on animal health and diseases.

The US is one of the major suppliers of frozen and chilled chickens to Hong Kong, accounting for over 40% of total imports.