Press Releases
MoA confirms H5N1 avian influenza in Liwan, Guangzhou
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) has been
notified by the Ministry of Agriculture that the death of chickens in a poultry
retail market in Liwan, Guangzhou was a confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza
infection, a spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said today (March 16).
“Upon the confirmation of the case, the HKSARG will adopt corresponding measure
by suspending the import of live birds, live poultry and poultry products from
the zone of 13-kilometre radius of the infected area for 21 days. We come to the
decision 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.
“The import suspension measure is a precautionary measure. Our primary objective
is to safeguard public health,” the spokesman said.
The Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (GDCIQ) had verified
that there are no registered live poultry farms or processing plants for
supplying chilled and frozen poultry meat to Hong Kong in the zone of
13-kilometre radius of the infected area.
There are, however, two pet bird farms within the zone of 13-kilometre radius of
the infected area. The HKSARG will suspend the import of live birds from these
two pet bird farms for 21 days in accordance with the corresponding measure
mentioned above. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)
will continue to strictly enforce inspection and quarantine measures on imported
pet birds.
“The GDCIQ has reaffirmed that no abnormality is detected in chickens in
registered farms in Guangdong Province. In view of the confirmed avian influenza
case, the authorities in Guangdong Province will step up control and preventive
measures,” the spokesman added.
The HKSARG will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland authorities
and the concerned government departments will step up their preventive and
control measures to guard against avian influenza.
The AFCD, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will 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 Department of Health 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/Sunday, March 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:27
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