****************************************************
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 2) that following the H5 virus test results of a dead goose and two dead ducks last Saturday (January 31), nine more carcasses of birds were collected at Sha Lo Wan and Sham Wat Wan, Lantau between February 1 and 2 after a series of inspections around the area, adding that preliminary testing for the H5 virus is being arranged.
The government is very concerned about the incident and has launched a three-pronged investigation on the possible causes of the recent discovery of bird carcasses:
i) to step up inspections to ascertain whether illegal backyard poultry keeping is involved;
ii) to see if prevailing water currents and the weather are factors related to the discovery of the bird carcasses; and
iii) to patrol along the waterfront to see if there are further findings of dead birds.
Of the carcasses found these two days, one dead goose was found in Sham Wat yesterday. AFCD staff also collected a dead Cattle Egret and four dead chickens in Sha Lo Wan, as well as a dead chicken and two dead ducks in Sham Wat Wan today.
AFCD will continue to closely monitor the situation. Checks have been strengthened against illegal keeping of backyard poultry throughout the territory. The inspections in North Lantau are expected to complete in two days. So far unauthorised keeping of poultry has not been observed in Sha Lo Wan and Sham Wat Wan.
The spokesman said that as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of an avian influenza outbreak, a ban on backyard poultry keeping has been in force since 2006. Unauthorised keeping of five kinds of poultry - chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons or quails - is an offence with a maximum fine of $50,000. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $100,000.
"Apart from the increased inspections to strictly enforce the ban, leaflets will also be distributed during the inspections and publicity against backyard poultry keeping will be enhanced," the spokesman said.
"The public can call 1823 Call Centre for follow up if they come across suspicious sick or dead birds, including carcasses of wild birds and poultry," the spokesman added.
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 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 23:02
NNNN
