ANIMAL DISEASE CONFIRMED IN ESTONIAN EGG PRODUCTION
HKScan Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 5 November 2007 at 4pm
ANIMAL DISEASE CONFIRMED IN ESTONIAN EGG PRODUCTION
The animal disease suspected at an egg farm operated by HKScan's Estonian
subsidiary Tallegg has been confirmed by the authorities as Newcastle disease.
All hens at the farm will therefore be destroyed and the premises cleaned and
disinfected.
The measures will be implemented together with the Estonian veterinary
authorities.
Tallegg has suspended deliveries of eggs from its own production chain and put
temporary arrangements in place to manage deliveries. Newcastle disease is an
avian disease that is not transmissible to humans or other mammals.
Tallegg markets eggs in Estonia and operates egg farms in the town of Külli.
The disruption in Tallegg's egg production caused by the disease is likely to
extend through the first half of the coming year. Egg production is estimated
to reach 50% capacity in April and return to normal in summer.
Egg production accounts for roughly 14% of Tallegg's net sales. Tallegg carries
insurance against animal disease. The disruption in production is projected to
have no significant financial impact. The destruction and disposal of the
infected birds as well as the cleaning and disinfection of the farm premises
will be handled by the Estonian state.
The measures arising from the disease are restricted only to Tallegg's egg
production. The company's broiler production is not affected in any way and
will continue to operate normally.
HKScan Corporation
Kai Seikku
CEO
Further information: Olli Antniemi, executive vice president, HKScan Baltic
Group +372 502 0929
DISTRIBUTION:
OMX Nordic Exchanges
Main media
www.hkscan.com