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In the light of the notification received by the Department of Health on a confirmed case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza virus in Guangzhou, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (March 5) that the bureau had discussed with the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) on adjusting the arrangement of live poultry and birds supply to Hong Kong.
Although there was no avian influenza outbreak in Guangdong, after assessing public health risk and aiming to reduce the contact between humans and live poultry as well as to prevent the accumulation of live poultry in the markets, it was decided to suspend the supply of live poultry, day-old chicks and pet birds from the Guangdong Province for three weeks so as to allow the relevant authorities to conduct comprehensive investigation, the spokesman said.
He added that if it was confirmed that there had been no additional human infection case and that there was no outbreak of avian influenza in live poultry farms in Guangdong, the supply of live poultry and birds would be resumed.
The spokesman explained that recent surveillance of avian influenza indicated a growing risk of an outbreak in Hong Kong, preventive measures thus needed to be strengthened to safeguard public health.
He said AQSIQ understood and supported the extra precautionary measures.
"The live poultry and poultry products supplied by the Mainland are all subject to stringent inspection and quarantine requirements. So far, no abnormalities have been identified. The temporary suspension of the supply of the Mainlandˇ¦s live poultry, day-old chicks and pet birds to Hong Kong is only a preventive measure.
"After three weeks and upon confirmation that the then public health situation is normal, we will decide to resume the supply of live poultry and birds to Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department would also step up inspection and monitoring of the hygiene conditions in all local farms, wholesale and retailed markets. The Customs and Excise Department would strengthen its efforts to crack down on smuggling activities on birds and poultry.
Besides, the following measures would be stepped up by the Department of Health:
- Enhance health education for travellers at all immigration control points through distribution of leaflets and displaying of health messages besides maintaining temperature screening for inbound travellers at all immigration control points;
- Inform the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong about the case and update health advice to the organization;
- Update all doctors of the current situation and remind them to report suspected avian influenza cases;
- Collaborate with public and private hospitals to enhance surveillance for suspected avian influenza cases.
The public should avoid touching live birds and poultry and their droppings. If they have been in contact with live birds and poultry, they should wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water immediately. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating. When travelling outside Hong Kong, the public should avoid touching live birds and poultry.
Travellers returning from endemic areas should consult doctors promptly if they have symptoms of influenza after the trip. They should let the doctors know the travel history and wear a mask to prevent spread of the disease.
People should observe good personal and environmental hygiene at all times; keep hands clean, wash hands frequently with liquid soap, especially before eating and touching nose, mouth and eyes; cover their mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing; dispose of soiled tissues properly (into a bin with lid) and wash hands thoroughly.
Ends/Sunday, March 5, 2006
Issued at HKT 22:59
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