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Government departments would jointly mount a special cleansing operation in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok areas, said a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) after an inter-departmental meeting today (March 1).
The meeting, chaired by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Mrs Stella Hung, was called to address public concerns over the number of H5N1 positive dead birds collected in the areas, eight in total this year.
The spokesman said: "Although cleansing operations have been continuously undertaken throughout the territory, the Government has decided to mount a special operation in these areas in order to reduce the risk of avian influenza infection among wild birds.
"Thorough cleansing will be stepped up in public housing estates, streets, parks and wholesale poultry market in these areas."
The spokesman also reminded people to observe good personal hygiene and avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them.
Today's meeting was attended by representatives from the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, the Home Affairs Department, the Housing Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Department of Health and the AFCD.
Ends/Thursday, March 1, 2007
Issued at HKT 21:03
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