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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has appealed to people not to touch live poultry to protect themselves against avian influenza.
A spokesman for the department said people should be vigilant when buying live chickens at retail outlets.
"As the major mode of transmission of avian influenza virus from poultry to human is through contact with the poultry or their faeces, the most effective way to minimise the risk is to reduce as much as possible contact between customers and live poultry on sale. The department has stepped up publicity and public education on the importance of segregation of customers from live poultry."
The spokesman said, "Stickers and posters have been displayed in public markets and fresh provision shops where live poultry is sold, advising customers not to touch any live poultry.
"We will also broadcast the message to the public through radio announcements and a specially-produced television short film.
"In addition, the message will be highlighted in all health talks and outreach programmes organised by the department for the public."
Apart from publicity and public education, the department has made it a duty of all live poultry retailers to try their best to prevent their customers from touching the live poultry on sale.
"We rely very much on the strict self-discipline and good practices of the poultry traders, as well as the co-operation of the public, to protect the public from the potential hazards of avian influenza.
"People are encouraged to give their views to the government during the current public consultation on ways to minimise the risk of human infection by avian influenza in the long run," the spokesman said.
Ends/ Tuesday, April 27, 2004
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