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In view of expert advice, the Government would immediately revise the general suspension period of live poultry supply from the Mainland to 14 days after a human avian influenza case was confirmed, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (July 29).
The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection discussed the issue at a meeting yesterday afternoon. Members agreed that if human avian influenza cases were detected in Guangdong again in the future and no avian flu outbreak was recorded among poultry population, the general suspension period of live poultry supply from the Mainland could be revised to 14 days after the confirmation of a human case.
The Government previously imposed a 21-day suspension period after a human avian influenza case was found in Guangdong. This practice drew reference from the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) Terrestrial Animal Health Code in which 21 days referred to the incubation period if avian influenza were found among poultry.
Speaking on the revised arrangement, the spokesman said: "The Scientific Committee has considered several factors, including epidemiology, incubation period and mode of transmission among human and poultry, empirical data from investigation of Guangdong human cases and the Code by OIE.
"The Government also agreed with the Scientific Committee that although a general 14-day suspension following the confirmation of a human case could be set for observation purpose, it would also be necessary for the Government to examine each case on an individual basis for epidemiological and exposure history, as well as evidence of abnormal situation in poultry farms when deciding whether to extend the suspension period.
"If avian influenza were detected in poultry farms supplying Hong Kong, the 14-day suspension period would not be applied because the Government would need a much longer period of time to ensure the situation is under control prior to the resumption of import of live poultry from the Mainland."
Ends/Saturday, July 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:17
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