******************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (March 29) to better understand the department's work on prevention of avian influenza and promotion of local organic farming.
Accompanied by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mrs Stella Hung, the Chief Executive began the tour at the department's Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory in Sheung Shui, where he was briefed on the testing of dead birds and faecal swab samples. Providing world-class animal surveillance and diagnostic services, the veterinary laboratory is the first in Asia accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities of Australia (NATA).
Mr Tsang was briefed on procedures on necropsies of dead wild birds, rapid molecular tests for the presence of H5 avian influenza virus and virus isolation. Almost 7,000 dead birds have been tested for H5N1 avian influenza since late October, 2005, with 17 confirmed cases. Additionally, about 3,000 faecal swab samples are tested for avian influenza virus every month. These are collected from local poultry farms, imported poultry, wholesale and retail markets, imported pet birds, local pet bird shops, recreational parks with aviaries and wild birds in Mai Po, etc.
Mr Tsang recommended that a high level of alertness be maintained regarding avian influenza. "To prevent avian influenza effectively, we must do well in wild bird surveillance and the veterinary laboratory plays an important role in this respect," he said.
The Chief Executive chatted with frontline staff responsible for enforcing the ban on backyard poultry. They had been patrolling rural villages throughout the territory since last month, seizing about 300 banned birds. In addition, more than 1,200 chickens and 3,300 quails were seized from three unauthorised poultry farms.
"Enforcing the ban on backyard poultry and reducing the contact between humans and poultry is an essential task to prevent avian influenza," Mr Tsang said.
"In the face of the looming threat of the bird flu, I am happy that AFCD staff are committed to their work and demonstrate the professionalism of the civil service. I hope they will continue to do their best and provide the public with the latest information on prevention of avian influenza."
The Chief Executive then visited the Tai Lung Experimental Station where he was introduced to greenhouse production technology and the organic cultivation of strawberries, golden cap mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
He agreed that organic farming could produce food in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. The AFCD can provide technical support and low-interest loans for the production of crops which are of high yield and value and of good marketing prospects.
At present, 53 farms covering about 26 hectares have been converted to organic farming. About 1.5 tonnes of organic vegetables are being marketed daily through the Vegetable Marketing Organisation.
The Chief Executive noted that the AFCD earmarked $10 million for the promotion of organic farming and greenhouse production, especially targeted at poultry farmers who may switch to organic farming because of avian influenza. Some 120 poultry farmers have attended technical seminars held by the AFCD since January.
Mr Tsang joined AFCD staff at a tea reception and tasted various organic products from the Tai Lung Experimental Farm, including strawberries and cherry tomatoes.
"Diversified development suits Hong Kong's economic need. With good business outlook, organic farming provides local farmers with a viable alternative and more choices for consumers. I count on the department's continued efforts to develop high quality and reliable agricultural produce for farmers and the public." he said.
Ends/Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:21
NNNN