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The investigation group on epidemiological study of avian influenza conducted a site investigation at the index farm in Yuen Long today (December 15).
Group members including the Head of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung; the Head of the Laboratory Animal Unit of the University of Hong Kong, Dr Lo King-shun; the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (Inspection & Quarantine), Dr Thomas Sit; and the Consultant, Community Medicine (Communicable Disease) of the Centre for Health Protection, Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan took a thorough look at the biosecurity measures taken by the farm and gathered information from the farmer.
With in-depth examination at the preventive measures, the management and operation of the farm, the investigation group will try to search for any shortcomings and identify the source of infection to see how the avian influenza virus could have entered the farm.
The Food and Health Bureau announced on December 12 the setting up of two investigation groups on avian influenza to help the Government to formulate more effective measures and directions in the fight against avian influenza.
Ends/Monday, December 15, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:15
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