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Preliminary testing of a Grey Heron found in Lok Ma Chau had indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 11), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.
The bird carcass was found and collected on February 8 near San Sam Road, Lok Ma Chau. Grey Heron is a kind of waterbird and common winter visitor to Hong Kong.
The spokesman said there are three commercial chicken farms within three kilometers of where the bird was found. The AFCD had immediately dispatched inspection staff to these chicken farms, and had found no abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza among the chicken flocks.
"In view of this case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters will be issued to the farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken," the spokesman said.
"In particular, the three chicken farms will be put under enhanced surveillance."
The spokesman said that the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented. The department would continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over imported live poultry as well as live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene.
The Department of Health will keep up with its health education and distribute health advice leaflets.
AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks brought by imported poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine.
The spokesman said the threat of avian influenza remained. The relevant departments will remain vigilant and continue to take preventive and control measures against avian influenza.
Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Ends/Monday, February 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:10
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