Press Releases

SFH on Ebola virus disease and live chicken supply

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a seminar today (August 27):

Reporter: Can we have an update on the Ebola virus disease?

Secretary for Food and Health: Up till today, the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Western Africa is still not under control. At the same time, there is another place in Central Africa where hundreds of cases were reported to have fever and gastroenteric symptoms. At this moment, a small proportion of these few hundred cases have been tested positive for the Ebola virus. Although this Ebola virus is of a different strain from that accounting for the outbreak in Western Africa, the Centre for Health Protection is now considering to add the (affected) Central Africa region to our list of surveillance, so that in future tourists arriving from this particular place would also be put under our health advice.

Reporter: Do we have an actual date of resumption of import of live poultry?

Secretary for Food and Health: We have recently had some progress in our discussion with the relevant authorities in the Mainland on the resumption of live poultry supply to Hong Kong. But up to this moment, I still cannot give you a certain date. Since there is slightly less than two weeks' time before the Mid-Autumn Festival, we will strive to actively engage with the Mainland authorities in order to arrive at a consensus as soon as possible. Once there is a decision, we will announce it to the public.

Reporter: (On whether the addition of Congo to the list will pose a higher risk to the people of Hong Kong.)

Secretary for Food and Health: I would not compare the addition of any place to the (list of) affected areas, but in general, it remains a fact that the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Africa has not been under control.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:36

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