***********************************************
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has stepped up publicity efforts to educate the public on the importance of taking precautions against avian influenza.
A spokesman for the department said today (February 2) that since the outbreak of avian flu in neighbouring regions, the department had been on full alert to guard against the possibility of an outbreak of the disease.
"Besides stepped-up publicity efforts to educate both the public and the poultry trade on the importance of taking precautionary measures against avian influenza, television and radio announcements have been broadcast daily to remind the public to observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.
Posters asking customers to wash hands thoroughly immediately after purchasing live poultry are displayed at conspicuous spots in fresh provision shops and all FEHD's markets.
"Booklets have also been produced for the easy reference of poultry shop operators in observing protective measures to guard against avian-related diseases.
A poster reminding the public not to feed wild birds to help prevent avian influenza will be displayed at all districts to arouse public awareness.
The spokesman stressed that the department will spare no effort in regulating the practices of both the trade and the public with a view to protecting public health and maintaining a hygienic environment.
Ends/Monday, February 2, 2004
NNNN
