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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (March 19) resumed processing applications for importation of live birds from countries or places unaffected by avian influenza.
An AFCD spokesman said there was still a temporary suspension on imports from countries or places which had reported highly pathogenic avian influenza.
"Under the existing import protocol, all live birds to be imported into Hong Kong are required to be tested free of H5 avian influenza in their country or place of origin before importation and to be accompanied by health certificates issued by the competent veterinary authority in their country or place of origin," the spokesman said.
"This procedure is in line with international practice," the spokesman said.
As a precautionary measure during the early resumption period, the AFCD might impose extra requirements on selective commercial consignments apart from existing import requirements. These additional measures include sampling and screen testing on arrival before release of the consignments.
The spokesman said the easing of restrictions was a result of careful evaluation and assessment of the avian influenza situation in the region especially on the situation involving wild birds and pet birds.
"For countries or places which have reported avian influenza, we will review the suspension of import of live birds from these areas in accordance with the international guidelines," the spokesman added.
A list of countries or places on which the temporary suspension of import of live birds is imposed is uploaded on to AFCD's website (http://www.afcd.gov.hk/quarantine/animals_e.htm).
Hong Kong imported a total of 190,572 live pet birds in 2003. The major sources of these imports were the Mainland, Indonesia, South Africa, Mozambique and Singapore.
Ends/Friday, March 19, 2004
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