HC Deb 25 April 1983 vol 41 c229W
64. Sir Anthony Royle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what check is made on shipments of live animals into Hong Kong from China; and what safeguards are instituted to ensure that rabies is not carried by any imported animal.

Mr. Rifkind

Almost all animals imported live into Hong Kong from China are for use as food. They are imported through official Chinese trading organisations and are subject to health examination on arrival. They are usually held for only a short period pending slaughter, during which time they are subject to regular health checks. No case of rabies has ever been diagnosed or suspected in any live animals imported from China.

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