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The Government had stepped up measures to reduce the risk of avian influenza infection among wild birds, said Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (Inspection and Quarantine) Dr Thomas Sit today (March 2).
This follows an inter-departmental meeting chaired by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mrs Stella Hung, yesterday in which it was agreed that a concerted effort by various departments should be promptly taken to address the issue.
To enhance monitoring of the Bird Garden in Mong Kok, the department staff today put up posters and gave out letters to stall owners reminding them the importance of observing sanitary requirements against avian influenza.
Dr Sit said: "We inspect pet bird stalls in the Bird Garden three times daily. Since February 10, pet bird traders have been required to keep health certificates of all imported birds. This helps us trace the origins of the birds and ensure that health requirements are met through import control.
"We have given verbal warnings to several traders and will take prosecution actions if necessary."
Of some 2 660 dead birds collected across the territory to test for H5 virus in January and February this year, 13 were confirmed H5N1 positive.
"However, this rate is similar to the same period of last year when 16 out of about 3 000 birds collected were tested positive," he said.
Since eight dead birds confirmed H5N1 positive were collected in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok, Dr Sit said the Government had decided to mount a special cleansing operation in the districts to address public concern.
"Cleansing work has been undertaken throughout the territory and the latest joint operation involving different departments in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok will be completed within two weeks," he added.
Today's operation by the Housing Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department covered areas including Lai On Estate, Lai Chi Kok Road and Sham Shui Po Park.
"Places in public housing estates, streets, parks and wholesale poultry market in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok areas where wild birds gather will be targeted in particular.กจ
Dr Sit 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.
Ends/Friday, March 2, 2007
Issued at HKT 20:01
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