Press Releases
Mainland authorities contacted to learn more about chicken deaths in Guangdong
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) has
communicated with the Ministry of Agriculture over the death of some chickens in
a poultry retail market in Liwan, Guangzhou and a poultry wholesale market in
Lishui town, Nanhai district, Foshan, Guangdong, a spokesman for the Food and
Health Bureau said today (March 15).
The HKSARG learnt that the Guangdong authorities were investigating into the
cause for chicken deaths in Liwan. Since the chickens in question came from a
stall in a poultry wholesale market in Lishui town, Nanhai district, the Foshan
authorities had culled some 2,000 live poultry of the relevant stall as a
precautionary measure. No abnormality was found among live poultry in Foshan so
far.
"If the concerned market in Guangdong was confirmed to have avian influenza
cases, we will take corresponding measure by suspending the import of live
poultry and poultry products from the zone of 13-kilometre radius of the
infected area for 21 days.
"The decision was made after making reference to the guidelines set by the Food
and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the World Organisation
for Animal Health and assessing the control and prevention of avian influenza as
well as the related inspection and quarantine measures in Guangdong Province.
"We understood that the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau
had checked whether there are any registered live poultry farms near the
concerned markets. After verification, there are neither registered live poultry
farms nor processing plants for supplying chilled and frozen poultry meat to
Hong Kong in the zone of 13-kilometre radius of the two relevant markets.
"No abnormality was found in chickens in registered farms in Guangdong Province
currently. We will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland
authorities and monitor the latest development as well as the preventive and
control measures adopted by the Mainland.
"The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will send staff to inspect
the bio-security and quarantine measures in some registered farms in Guangdong
to ensure the food safety of chickens supplied to Hong Kong," the spokesman
said.
Moreover, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) has
contacted the Department of Health of Guangdong Province and learnt that no
human case of avian influenza was found in Guangdong Province.
Meanwhile, various government departments would step up measures to prevent
avian influenza. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)
and FEHD would enhance inspection and surveillance of the hygiene conditions in
all local live poultry farms, as well as wholesale and retail markets. The FEHD
would step up the testing of Mainland live chickens.
AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department, the Police and the relevant
Mainland authorities would stay alert and strive to deter the smuggling of
poultry and birds into Hong Kong to prevent an increase in the risk of avian
influenza outbreak brought by poultry and birds that had not gone through
inspection and quarantine.
The Government would also strengthen its enforcement actions against the public
bringing live poultry and poultry meat into Hong Kong illegally.
The DH would step up health advice to travellers by broadcasting health messages
at immigration control points and distributing health advice leaflets.
On personal health, the spokesman reminded the public to avoid touching live
poultry and birds and their droppings. If they contact live poultry and birds,
they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately
afterwards. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating. When
travelling outside Hong Kong, the public should avoid touching live poultry and
birds.
Travellers returning from areas with avian influenza outbreak should consult
doctors immediately if they have symptoms of influenza after the trip. They
should inform the doctor of their travel history and wear a mask to prevent
spread of the disease.
Ends/Saturday, March 15, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:43
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