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As a result of stepped-up surveillance on local farms, about 100 dead young chickens were found in the Tai Kong Po designated collection centre for animal carcass, Yuen Long.
Samples of the dead chickens were immediately tested by laboratory of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the initial results yielded in the late afternoon showed they were all negative of the H5 virus, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said this evening (February 1).
The spokesman said it was not unusual for small chickens to die in the farms on a daily basis and there was no cause of unwarranted alarm despite the potential threat of possible avian influenza attack.
"There are various reasons for the death of young chickens and the normal mortality rate for chickens in a particular farm is about four per cent of the chicken population.
"Following reports of the dead chickens, the emergency co-ordination centre under the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau has responded at the earliest possible time to deploy its inter-departmental teams to strengthen inspection of local farms and wet markets for any abnormality.
"AFCD has already deployed additional staff to inspect farms to ensure that the chickens remain healthy.
"Swap samples were taken by staff of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) in different retail markets yesterday to detect the presence of the H5 virus. All samples tested were found to be negative.
"We will continue to closely monitor the situation at the wet markets and local farms in view of the outbreaks in neighbouring areas," the spokesman said.
Upon receiving news of the dead chickens, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, called for an inter-departmental meeting to review strategy to prevent avian influenza.
Representatives from relevant departments including AFCD, FEHD and the Department of Health were present. Also present were the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, and the Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mr Eddy Chan.
On the meeting, the spokesman said: "We are constantly reviewing our multi-pronged strategy to ensure that it remains effective in our efforts to deal with the rapidly changing circumstances."
Meanwhile, the spokesman said arrangement has been made for workers of pet bird shops at the Bird Garden in Mongkok to receive free vaccination at designated out-patients clinics.
Ends/Sunday, February 1, 2004
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