Press Releases
SHWF visits farms and poultry wholesale market
The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, visited a chicken farm in Pat Heung and a pig farm in Sheung Tsuen, Yuen Long today (August 6) to observe the operation of the local livestock production system.
Dr Yeoh saw for himself the avian influenza control measures at farms and took the opportunity to discuss with the operators the environment under which they work.
The chicken farm, holding over 13,000 chickens, is operated by an elderly couple as a family-run business. The operator of the pig farm, which has a capacity for 3,000 pigs, is able to employ workers to assist in the business despite demanding working conditions.
Dr Yeoh was glad to see that both farms were able to make the small business a viable livelihood proposition and was encouraged to see that the livestock waste treatment systems in the two farms were updated.
He also learned that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) provided training for farmers on the proper use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, as well as offered diagnostic and advisory services on livestock diseases.
At present, there are around 300 pig farms and 140 chicken farms in Hong Kong keeping about 440,000 pigs and 2.5 million chickens respectively.
Pigs reared locally accounted for about one-fourth of the 1,280 live pigs slaughtered in Hong Kong daily. Local chicken farms supply about one-fifth of live chickens sold in Hong Kong.
Dr Yeoh then visited the Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market, which operates round the clock to handle about 100,000 live chickens plus other poultry such as pigeons.
To safeguard public health and minimise the risk of avian influenza, a cage inspection system was put in place to ensure wholesalers and poultry transporters use clean cages for transportation.
AFCD staff also perform audit checks on cleaned cages to ensure the required hygiene standard is met.
In addition, there are now four rest days in the wholesale market each month so that additional cleaning and disinfection can be carried out.
Dr Yeoh also discussed with the Department's directorate officers effort to facilitate agricultural and fisheries production as well as to enhance efficiency of government wholesale marketing facilities for fresh produce.
Today's programme was part of a series of familiarisation visits to departments newly brought under his purview since July 1.
He was accompanied by the Acting Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Liu Kwei-kin, in the visit.
Tuesday, August 6, 2002