**********************************************

The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong today (January 26) said the Government would stay vigilant against any possible outbreak of avian influenza.

Speaking after a meeting with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority to review the strategies of prevention against avian influenza and the surveillance system, Dr Yeoh said he had asked the AFCD and the FEHD to step up surveillance at local farms and markets in view of the spread of the H5N1 virus in the region. He has also asked the AFCD to stay vigilant regarding import controls and surveillance of pet birds.

"The two departments would be conducting more tests on chickens at local farms and markets as well as on wild birds so that any H5N1 virus or evidence of its mutation could be detected early," Dr Yeoh said.

"We have adopted a three-pronged approach: vaccination, bio-security measures at farms and market rest days and cleansing to guard against the virus and so far, we have not detected any abnormal death in birds caused by H5N1. However, we do need the cooperation of the public in keeping away the virus.

"The public can help prevent the spread of the virus by avoiding contact with birds or bird droppings, and not feeding birds in the wild or in parks. When buying live poultry, the public should not touch it. If they ever touch a bird, they should wash their hands with liquid soap and water immediately. Poultry meat should always be cooked thoroughly," he said.

The DH would step up public education on hygiene and avoiding direct contact with poultry and wild birds. It would also update information on avian influenza for the reference by healthcare professionals in the public and private sectors.

Dr Yeoh said he would take part in a ministerial meeting on the current poultry disease situation organised by the Government of Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday (January 28).

"I look forward to sharing experience in tackling the disease with our neighbours and exploring ways of collaborating to deal with this threat on a regional basis," Dr Yeoh said.

Also joining the delegation will be Deputy Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Dr Mak Sin-ping; Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Liu Kwei-kin; and Consultant of the Department of Health, Dr Thomas Tsang.

The delegation will depart tomorrow and return on Thursday.

Ends/Monday, January 26, 2004

NNNN