Press Releases
Government steps up measures to guard against avian influenza
A spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (June 14) that
in light of the suspected human case of avian influenza H5 in Shenzhen, the
Government had communicated with Mainland authorities and formulated
precautionary measures on the supply of live poultry and birds to Hong Kong. The
measures would be taken once the case was confirmed.
The spokesman said Mainland authorities had informed the bureau that there
were no avian influenza outbreaks in the registered farms for supply to Hong
Kong nor at the non-exporting farms in Guangdong province and Shenzhen.
"But to prevent stockpiling of live poultry in local markets due to poor sales
turnover, Hong Kong has decided that once the case was confirmed by the Ministry
of Health, the supply of live poultry, day-old chicks and pet birds from
Guangdong province will be suspended for 21 days with effect from the following
day upon the receipt of confirmation. The arrangement will give the relevant
authorities time to conduct a full investigation.
"Hong Kong would resume the import of live poultry if no more human cases were
found and no H5 avian influenza outbreaks had occurred in chicken farms in
Guangdong and Shenzhen", he said.
The spokesman said the arrangement was in line with the earlier measures that
were taken when a human avian influenza case was found in Guangzhou. He added
that the aim of implementing these measures was to protect public health and
maintain people's confidence in consuming live poultry.
He pointed out that Mainland poultry and poultry products for supply to Hong
Kong have passed through stringent inspection and quarantine procedures and so
far no problem has been found in such products. The suspension of supply of live
chickens, day-old chicks and pet birds to Hong Kong was merely a preventive
measure.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Food
and Environmental Hygiene Department would step up inspection and monitoring of
the hygienic conditions of the local poultry farms, wholesale and retail
markets. The Customs and Excise Department would step up surveillance to crack
down on smuggling of live birds and poultry.
In addition, the Department of Health would adopt the following measures:
* Continue to maintain temperature screening for inbound travellers, enhance
health education for travellers and distribute leaflets and broadcast health
messages at all immigration control points;
* Inform the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong about the case and provide
health advice updates to the organisation;
* Update all doctors of the current situation and remind them to report
suspected avian influenza cases;
* Collaborate with public and private hospitals to further enhance surveillance
for suspected avian influenza cases.
On personal hygiene, members of the public should avoid direct contact with
poultry and wild birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they
should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Poultry and eggs should be
thoroughly cooked before eating.
Travellers returning from endemic areas of avian influenza should consult
doctors promptly if they have symptoms of influenza after the trip. They should
inform the doctors of their travel history and wear a mask to prevent the spread
of the disease.
People should observe good personal and environmental hygiene at all times;
keep hands clean, wash hands frequently with liquid soap, especially before
eating and touching nose, mouth and eyes; cover their mouth and nose with tissue
paper when coughing or sneezing; dispose of soiled tissues properly (into a bin
with lid) and wash hands thoroughly.
Ends/Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:16
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