The US Centres for Disease Control & Prevention has removed Hong Kong from the jurisdictions included in an importation ban on birds and bird products.

Yesterday's move was based on:

* Hong Kong's documented public health measures to prevent the occurrence of avian influenza A (H5N1);

* The fact that Hong Kong has remained an avian flu-free zone in Asia;

* The lack of avian flu cases in Hong Kong's domestic and wild bird populations apart from the dead peregrine falcon - a migratory bird, found to be H5 positive in mid-January; and,

* The fact that since January 30, Hong Kong has suspended importation of live birds from countries affected by the outbreak.

Welcoming the decision, the Government appreciated the earnest lobbying efforts of Hong Kong representatives in the US.

The US Department of Health & Human Services together with the Department of Agriculture instituted the importation ban on February 4 as outbreaks of avian flu spread in Southeast Asia.

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong then wrote to CDC Director Dr Julie Gerberding, presenting Hong Kong's case and lobbying for the early lifting of the import ban.