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Hong Kong's inclusion in CDC's embargo on bird imports unwarranted: SHWF

The inclusion of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in the bird embargo notice issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is unwarranted, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, said today (February 5).

The CDC yesterday ordered an immediate ban on the import of all birds from a number of Southeast Asian countries which have reported avian influenza outbreaks. The ban covers the People's Republic of China, including the HKSAR.

In a letter to CDC Director Dr Julie Gerberding, Dr Yeoh pointed out that the HKSAR was a separate customs territory of the People's Republic of China.

"Under One Country Two Systems, we maintain our own stringent control and regulatory regime over the import and export of live animals (including birds), animal products and food items, as guaranteed under our mini-constitution, the Basic Law.

"The measures we have adopted have been effective in averting an H5 avian influenza outbreak in Hong Kong despite the extensive and rapid spread of the disease in the region.

"In fact, since our imposition of the requirement for all chickens to be vaccinated with the H5 vaccine, we have found no evidence of H5 infection in Hong Kong at all," he said.

Dr Yeoh urged the CDC to reconsider its embargo notice on Hong Kong and looked forward to an early lifting of the embargo.

"We understand Hong Kong is vulnerable under the threat of avian influenza. We are committed to putting up more stringent measures to guard against the disease," he added.

In his letter, Dr Yeoh updated the CDC Director on the preventive measures that have been taken in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, has written to all consuls general and members of International Business Chambers in Hong Kong to explain the current situation and lobby their support in opposing any bans on Hong Kong exports of poultry and poultry products.

Ends/Thursday, February 5, 2004
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