Press Releases
IACC updates avian flu precautionary measures
The Interdepartmental Action Co-ordinating Committee (IACC) today (November 2)
followed up on the progress of actions agreed at the last meeting in the light
of new developments to fight avian influenza.
The committee also reviewed areas for improvement and mapped out new strategies.
Noting that avian flu had been spreading more widely outside Hong Kong since
last week, IACC Chairperson and Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food
Mrs Carrie Yau has asked departments and agencies to continue to take vigorous
precautionary measures and closer surveillance in dealing with wild birds, pet
birds and poultry.
The meeting noted that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)
had taken a proactive and leading role in the disposal of dead birds. So far,
more than 80 bird carcasses had been collected by the department for testing of
bird flu viruses. All available test results were negative.
AFCD had also asked transport operators of live poultry to put in place bird
proof nets to minimise the risk of bird flu while transporting the poultry, and
to wear gloves when handling live poultry.
The meeting also learned that the Customs and Excise Department had already
stepped up enforcement against smuggling of pet birds and poultry into the
territory.
On the issue of backyard farming, Mrs Yau told members that the Health, Welfare
and Food Bureau would study legislators' proposal to regulate backyard farmers
who kept fewer than 20 chickens to plug the loophole in the defence against bird
flu.
In the meantime, AFCD will take a proactive role to provide free vaccination
service against avian flu to these backyard chickens. But the department advised
that those who could not have enough bio-security measures in place should
consider no longer keeping the backyard poultry. They could contact the AFCD
animal management centres for disposal arrangement.
Regarding the environmental nuisance caused by pigeons and crows, the Housing
Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will enhance their
efforts to keep the problem at bay while cautioning people against feeding wild
birds. In respect of home crows, AFCD had also tested more than 100 crow samples
and found no bird flu viruses.
The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau had asked relevant departments to step up
public hygiene programmes under a community-based approach targeting at all
districts and housing estates. Such programmes include:
Buildings Department
* To step up publicity to increase public awareness on the importance of proper
installation and maintenance of U-traps and drainage pipes to guard against the
spread of infectious diseases.
* To dispatch a leaflet on the subject matter to 1.3 million households living
in private buildings.
Housing Department
* In addition to setting up teams to inspect the drainage system, the department
has asked tenants to take parallel action to report defective drains and to
refill U-trap with water regularly.
* Leaflets on proper maintenance of drain pipes will be distributed to all
public housing tenants.
* Tenants have been urged to upkeep environmental hygiene and not to feed wild
birds through various channels in public housing estates.
* To organise "Operation Tai Ping Tei" in a number of estates in November to
encourage community participation in clean-up operations.
Transport Department
* Letters are being sent to public transport operators providing rail,
franchised bus, non-franchised bus, public light bus, taxi or ferry services
appealing for their support to upkeep their cleaning standards and preparedness
to prevent avian flu.
Home Affairs Department
* To organise a Team Clean Day to mobilise members of the public to clean up
hygiene black spots in their districts.
Information Services Department
* To step up publicity efforts to advise the public on precautionary measures.
New announcements in the public interest (APIs) will be broadcast on TV and
radio over the next few weeks.
* More leaflets, posters and other publicity materials in different languages
are being produced and distributed.
* A dedicated webpage providing up-to-date information on prevention of avian
flu can be viewed via the Centre for Health Protection website
www.chp.gov.hk or the Government website
www.info.gov.hk .
"There is no room for complacency. With heightened alertness and preparedness,
we must continue to make our best effort to fight the disease," Mrs Yau said.
"Everyone can also contribute to the overall efforts in fighting avian flu by
going back to the basics - keeping good personal and environmental hygiene
practices," she added.
Ends/Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:16
NNNN
Prevention of Avian Influenza