Hong Kong has received notification from the Mainland on deaths of ducks infected by H5N1 avian flu in a poultry farm in Changsha, Hunan, the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau says.

A suspension on the import of poultry meat from Hunan has been in place since last October when the province first had an avian flu outbreak.

Although local poultry farms have been free of bird flu since 2003, Hong Kong must stay vigilant as there have been avian flu cases in nearby regions from time to time.

Frequent inspection of local poultry farms will continue to ensure compliance with the licensing conditions and effective biosecurity measures, as well as to monitor chickens' health. Enforcement will also be taken to combat illegal backyard poultry keeping.

Regarding racing pigeons, animal or bird exhibition licences will be granted to eligible applicants so that pigeon racing activities can continue under appropriate regulation.