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In response to media enquiries on the avian flu follow-up work, a spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau today (December 11) said:
"The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) and the concerned departments are actively following up the work on the avian influenza. We are looking into the cause for the avian influenza outbreak at a Yuen Long chicken farm from different perspectives.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) staffs started with an in-depth examination of the biosecurity measures of the farms in addition to a study on the efficacy of the existing vaccine. They are taking a thorough look at the preventive measures taken by the farm, and the management and operation of the farms to see if there were any shortcomings. Biosecurity measures of the farms have always been regarded by the experts as one of the most important preventive measures against the threat of avian influenza virus. AFCD staffs will increase their visits to the farms, especially in inspecting the measures and the implementation of the biosecurity measures by farm workers. They will provide instructions to farmers and workers when necessary.
AFCD inspects the farms on a regular basis, and systematically keeps a record on the number of live chickens of different age, breeders, day old chicks and fertilised eggs. Besides, if the chicken farmer wants to transport the live chickens or eggs in or out of the farm, they have to seek prior approval from AFCD. Otherwise, AFCD may cancel the livestock keeping licence of the farm concerned.
According to existing records, there is no discovery of any inconsistency in the number of chicken breeders, day old chicks and fertilised eggs at any of the farms (including the farm infected with avian influenza) at this initial stage. However, in view of the avian flu incident recently, AFCD will continue to strengthen the inspections and verify all the records of the farms, including the number of chickens and eggs.
At boundary crossings, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), the Marine Police, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), AFCD and the FHB have set up a task force last year to step up actions to deter smuggling activities. They meet on a regular basis and exchange intelligence. In recent months, the departments concerned have conducted more inspections on travellers who are suspected of bringing in eggs and live poultry when crossing the border (e.g. Man Kam To). As for the recent outbreak of avian influenza, the task force held a special meeting this morning to examine the situation and discuss further actions to combat smuggling activities. C&ED and the Marine Police will increase the number of random checks for suspected vehicles and vessels at land boundary crossings and on Hong Kong water.
AFCD and FEHD have always called on the trade to report smuggling activities. If members of the trade have any information or intelligence regarding smuggling activities, they are urged to call the C&ED hotline at 2545 6181.
On the retail level, the measure of 'no overnight stocking of live poultry' has not only strengthened our efforts to prevent avian influenza, it also helped combat smuggling of live chickens. FEHD staffs are making frequent visits to live poultry stalls. They also conduct surprised checks, and examine their invoices and the number of live chickens in their stalls to see if they match in order to prevent smuggling activities. FEHD will continue to strengthen their work in this respect.
As regards the suggestion by the trade to resume the dispatch of chickens for farms five kilometres away from the index farm, the Bureau will not consider the proposal after taken into account the biosecurity and international practice."
Ends/Thursday, December 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 23:41
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