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In view of a confirmed human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) (H5N1) in Shenzhen, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department yesterday (December 31) announced that the area of 13 km radius from usual residence of the patient within 14 days of disease onset is designated as the "import control zone". The decision was made after communicating with the Mainland authorities concerned in accordance with established guidelines.
The import of live poultry and poultry products (including chilled and frozen poultry, and poultry eggs) from this area will be suspended for 21 days, taking effect from today (January 1).
A spokesman for the CFS said the government had developed a zonal approach policy in 2008 as a general guideline for import control measures, to control the import of live poultry and poultry products (including chilled and frozen poultry, and poultry eggs) in dealing with different scenarios of outbreak of HPAI in Guangdong Province, including Shenzhen.
"Under the zonal approach policy, in the event of a confirmed human case of HPAI infection within Guangdong Province including Shenzhen, we will suspend the import of live poultry and poultry products from the 'import control zone' (i.e. the area of 13 km radius from the possible place of infection) for 21 days.
"If there is evidence that the patient has a history of contact with poultry within 14 days of disease onset, the 'import control zone' covers the implicated/related poultry farms, markets and places where patient contact has occurred," the spokesman said.
If a positive contact history is not apparent, the "import control zone" is worked out by reference to the usual residence of the patient within 14 days of disease onset.
"While adopting the zonal approach policy as a guideline, in handling each individual case of outbreak, we would at the same time take into account all factors concerned including for example the severity in the spread of the virus when determining the suspension measure," the spokesman stressed.
"We will continue to closely monitor the latest situation about the avian flu case and take appropriate follow-up action," he added.
He also reminded travellers to avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings. If contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Ends/Sunday, January 1, 2012
Issued at HKT 01:29
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