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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 3) announced a free avian influenza vaccination programme for backyard poultry, under which owners can make appointments with the department to arrange a visit and vaccination service through the government hotline 1823.
A department spokesman said that the vaccination programme aimed to minimise the public health risks of a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak from local backyard poultry, which at present are not subject to the licensing conditions for poultry farms that keep more than 20 birds.
"Our service targets people who keep poultry in the backyard for their own consumption or as pets. Livestock-keeping licence-holders are not eligible for the programme," he said.
"Vaccinated poultry will be secured with leg bands for individual identification. Two injections will be arranged and each will be four to six weeks apart."
AFCD staff will start scheduling visits upon referral and vaccinate the poultry on site in accordance with the departmental guidelines that cover the dosage, storage of vaccine and disposal of medical waste.
The department has contacted the Home Affairs Department to liaise with the Rural Committees so the programme can be carried out in rural villages.
During the visit, the households will be given a pamphlet and instructions for backyard poultry biosecurity measures including bird nets, disinfection arrangements and segregation of poultry if they want to continue keeping their poultry.
In view of the current threat of avian influenza in the region, the spokesman said households should consider giving up backyard farming if they could not provide adequate biosecurity measures.
"They can send the poultry to the AFCD animal management centres or contact our staff for disposal arrangements," he said.
When accepting the vaccination service, owners must sign an undertaking and provide a full record of their flocks.
"Backyard poultry owners should report any suspicious disease outbreak or significant increase in mortality among their flocks to the AFCD within 24 hours of the onset," the spokesman said.
"It is important that people should wash their hands after contact with poultry.
"In the case of a suspected outbreak, the owners must surrender the whole flock to the AFCD for elimination. No allowance or compensation will be granted in such circumstances."
Ends/Thursday, November 3, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:01
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