Press Releases

Precautionary measures against avian flu stepped up in Bird Garden

Precautionary measures in the Bird Garden in Mong Kok will be further strengthened to guard against the introduction of avian influenza.

The decision was made after an inter-departmental meeting this morning (February 2) to review the measures to improve the environmental hygiene and to improve the protection of handlers in the Bird Garden.

The meeting was chaired by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, and attended by representatives from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Also present were the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, and the Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mr Eddy Chan.

A Health, Welfare and Food Bureau (HWFB) spokesman said: "The meeting agrees that the AFCD will suspend the processing of applications for the importation of pet birds pending the development of avian influenza in the region."

In addition, the spokesman said the following measures would be taken in the Bird Garden:

* Apart from daily cleaning and two special cleaning operations each week, the frequency of daily cleaning has been stepped up.

* Inspection of the stalls in the Bird Garden will be strengthened.

* All pet bird traders will be required to wear gloves when handling bird droppings. This requirement will be included as one of the conditions in the animal trader licences.

* The Government will conduct a joint cleaning operation at the Bird Garden tomorrow (February 3) at 11am.

For personal protection against human influenza, arrangements had been made for handlers of pet bird shops to receive free flu shots at designated out-patient clinics, the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, HWFB together with AFCD and FEHD, met with legislator Mr Wong Yung-kan and representatives of the poultry industry this afternoon to discuss the resumption of supply of local chickens to the market.

At the meeting, it was agreed that the next market rest day would be brought forward from February 10 to February 5, and that supply of local chickens in retail outlets would be resumed on February 6.

As for the number of chickens to be marketed, the spokesman said it would depend on the market and hygiene conditions and demand, adding that a final figure would be decided later between the trade and AFCD.

"AFCD will also conduct quick tests on chickens from local farms to make sure that there is no presence of the H5 virus before the chickens are marketed," he said.

"The Government will also ensure that wholesale and retail markets are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to the resumption of the sale."

Ends/Monday, February 2, 2004
NNNN