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Following is a question by the Hon Henry Wu and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, in the Legislative Council today (February 4):
Question:
The recent successive outbreaks of avian flu in many Asian countries have caused many deaths, arousing concerns about the spread of avian flu. Furthermore, there have recently been complaints by members of the public about the serious situation of illegal feeding of pigeons in public places such as the Victoria Park at dawn. Since the avian flu virus may be transmitted through birds, there are worries that there may be an outbreak of avian flu in Hong Kong as a result. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the measures for preventing cross-infection between migratory and local birds and transmission of viruses by such birds; and
(b) whether it will consider stepping up enforcement actions against people illegally feeding pigeons in public places during non-office hours; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
(a) Wild aquatic birds are considered to be the natural host of avian influenza viruses and the viruses generally cause little if any disease in these birds. Some of the avian influenza viruses (e.g. H5 strain), however, can spread to and cause serious disease in land-based poultry such as chickens and they are particularly susceptible to the viruses.
To prevent the introduction of avian influenza viruses into chicken farms by wild birds including migratory birds, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) requires that all local licensed chicken farmers must install bird proofing facilities in their farms and that all local chickens be vaccinated against H5 avian influenza. The AFCD has also implemented an Avian Influenza surveillance programme for poultry farms, which has been extended to cover wild birds in wetlands, country parks and recreational parks, resident birds in recreational parks, as well as pet birds available for sale in the market. During 2003, we tested more than 7,000 samples of such kinds, of which five samples between January to March were found positive of H5 avian influenza virus. The last time that we detected H5 virus in a wild bird was in January 2004. This surveillance programme enables us to detect the presence of avian influenza viruses in our environment at an early stage so that timely measures can be taken to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Regarding the concern over pigeons, we have been monitoring H5 infection in pigeons raised in local farms and imported pigeons. Our wild bird surveillance programme also covers wild pigeon faecal droppings. Previous studies and surveillance results indicated that the risk of pigeons being infected with H5 avian influenza virus and infecting other species would be low. Nonetheless, we will stay vigilant in our surveillance programme to watch out if there is any sign of change of the risk.
(b) In view of the environmental hygiene nuisance caused by the feeding of feral birds (including pigeons) in public places, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has started to take stringent enforcement action against such activities since October 2003. Offenders are subject to a fixed penalty of $1,500 in accordance with the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness Offences) Ordinance (Cap. 570). To enhance the effectiveness of enforcement action, officers in plain clothes are deployed by FEHD to conduct blitz operations in blackspots, including mounting operations in early morning when bird feeding is most commonly found. FEHD has also requested other enforcement departments (including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Housing Department and AFCD etc.) to closely monitor venues under their management and take enforcement action against feral bird feeders.
From October 2003 to January 2004, FEHD and LCSD issued a total of 41 fixed penalty notices to persons who littered public places while feeding feral birds. LCSD issued another summons under the Pleasure Grounds Regulation (Cap. 132 sub. leg.) against a bird feeder during the same period. Because of the way that the records are kept, breakdown on the number of fixed penalty notices issued by other enforcement departments to feral bird feeders is not readily available.
The relevant departments will continue to take enforcement action against feral bird feeders who litter public places. FEHD has published pamphlets and erected warning signs at conspicuous locations in popular bird feeding places to remind the public not to feed wild birds.
Ends/Wednesday, February 4, 2004
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