Thirty-thousand day-old chicks were delivered to 12 local farms today, the first consignment since the resumption of Mainland chick imports.

Coming from three registered farms and covered by health certificates, the chicks met the inspection and quarantine requirements agreed between Hong Kong and Mainland authorities, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department said.

The suspension of imports was introduced on January 30 to protect public health after suspected avian influenza cases were reported in Mainland provinces.