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Preliminary testing of a dead Oriental Magpie Robin found in Cheung Sha Wan had indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 12), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.
The bird carcass was found and collected on February 10 at Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market. Oriental Magpie Robin is a common resident bird in Hong Kong.
"In view of this case, we will conduct a thorough cleansing cum disinfection operation in both the Wholesale Food Market and the Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market in Cheung Sha Wan tomorrow. We will also step up inspections and surveillance of the wholesale poultry market and remind wholesalers to maintain good hygiene to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented.," the spokesman said.
The AFCD will step up inspections of poultry farms and phone 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 department will also 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 will continue to maintain a clean environment for the public and step up its cleansing operations in the Cheung Sha Wan area in particular.
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/Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:11
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