<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?><?xml-stylesheet href="style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Prevention of Avian Influenza</title><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/index.htm</link><image><url>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/rss/rss_logo_en.gif</url><title>Prevention of Avian Influenza</title><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/index.htm</link></image><description>HKSAR Government Press Releases - Avian Influenza</description><language>en-UK</language><copyright>Copyright, HKSAR Government</copyright><webMaster>irc@isd.gov.hk</webMaster><pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate><lastBuildDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 04:37:01 GMT</lastBuildDate><generator>ISD Avian Influenza RSS Generator 3.21</generator><item><title>Kowloon Central Cluster conducts avian influenza drill</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/18/P200812180213.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/18/P200812180213.htm</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:08:37 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: A drill code-named ¡§Exercise Juniper¡¨ was conducted in the Kowloon Central Cluster yesterday (December 17) to enhance the alertness and awareness of frontline staff to contingency measures in the management of patients with suspected avian influenza infection.It was the cluster¡¦s regular and scheduled drill to test hospitals' response to an avian influenza outbreak. The drill was conducted in a scenario where the Serious Response Level had been activated in Hong Kong hospitals. The scenario simulated two patients suspected of avian flu being identified at the Buddhist Hospital's General Out-patient Clinic and Lee Kee Memorial Dispensary and subsequently transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment. About 100 staff members of Kowloon Central Cluster participated in the drill including staff of the two general out-patient clinics, the Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, Department of Anaesthesiology &amp; Operating Theatre Services, Administrative and Supporting Services, and Infection Control Team. The drill was smoothly conducted and all patient services were maintained without interruption. A debriefing had been held after the drill to review the communication flow and the response plan. ]]></description></item><item><title>HK, Mainland and Macau test emergency response to avian flu</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/16/P200812160179.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/16/P200812160179.htm</link><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:18:02 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Health authorities of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau conducted a joint exercise today (December 16) to test their co-operation and co-ordination in the event of a cross-boundary incident of avian flu involving human cases. Code-named "Exercise Great Wall 2008", the exercise was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health, the Health Bureau of Zhejiang Province, the Health Bureau of Macau, and the Food and Health Bureau, the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong.Over 60 public health officials and medical personnel took part in the exercise. The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said the exercise provided a valuable opportunity to test the communications channels, modes of joint operation and collaboration among health authorities in the three places during a public health emergency. "Participants can review their joint response actions via video-conference in respective command and control centres. "Timely notification of human avian influenza cases and collaboration for disease prevention and control among the three places are of utmost importance. The exercise will further strengthen collaboration and communication of the three places in emergency preparedness and response for public health crisis," Dr Chow said. The Director of Health, Dr P Y Lam, said the Department of Health would continue to work closely with the health authorities on the Mainland and in Macau on the prevention and control of avian influenza and other infectious diseases. This is the third joint exercise organised under the Co-operation Agreement on Response Mechanism for Public Health Emergencies signed by the three places in 2005. The scenario of today's exercise unfolded when a 48-year-old man and his 13-year-old daughter living in Hong Kong were confirmed to have been infected with avian influenza virus after visiting the man's wife in the mainland. The man's wife was also confirmed to have been infected by the disease later on. Investigation revealed that the man and his daughter had visited a poultry farm during their stay on the Mainland. The wife and her parents subsequently joined a tour to Hong Kong and Macau. During her stay in Hong Kong, the woman and her husband purchased a chicken from a live poultry retail market for a meal. In the exercise, the Hong Kong Government activated the "Serious Response Level" and notified their counterparts on the Mainland and in Macau of the cases. In order to control and prevent the spread of the disease, health authorities of the three places immediately initiated a series of public health measures including investigation and control of the outbreak, management of patients and exchange of information in the three places. During the exercise, emergency responses--including notification of counterparts in the three places, epidemiological investigation of the affected patients, contact tracing and medical surveillance for probable cases--were tested through telecommunication facilities. The exercise ended when experts from the three places exchanged information on their respective actions and the situation was brought under control with no new cases detected in the three places. ]]></description></item><item><title>Investigation group on avian influenza inspects index farm </title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/15/P200812150223.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/15/P200812150223.htm</link><pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:15:02 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[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 &amp; 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.]]></description></item><item><title>Setting up investigation groups on avian influenza </title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/12/P200812120320.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/12/P200812120320.htm</link><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:12:52 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) announced today (December 12) the setting up of two investigation groups on avian influenza. The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said these two groups would spare no effort to investigate the avian influenza incident at the Yuen Long farm. Apart from gathering the scientific data and information in relation to the incident, the investigation would help the Administration to formulate more effective measures and directions in the fight against avian influenza. The two investigation groups are responsible for conducting the epidemiological study of avian influenza on the index farm and the vaccine study respectively. The investigation group on epidemiological study will start with an in-depth examination of the biosecurity measures of the farm. It will take a thorough look at the preventive measures taken by the farm, the management and operation of the farm to see if there are any shortcomings. The group will try to identify the source of infection and the way which the virus could have got into the farm. The investigation group on vaccine study will be responsible for conducting research and tests on the efficacy of the existing H5N2 vaccine. The group will also study the effectiveness and quality of alternative vaccines, to see if they are applicable to the situation in Hong Kong. The information and data gathered would facilitate the Administration in the choice of the most suitable vaccine. The two groups comprised of representatives from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Department of Health and the Centre for Health Protection, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Centre for Food Safety, and the Customs and Excise Department. Professor Yuen Kwok-yung and Dr Lo King-shun from the University of Hong Kong, and an expert from the Ministry of Agriculture are also invited to join the groups. Professor Yuen Kwok-yung is the Head of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong. Dr Lo King-shun is the Head of the Laboratory Animal Unit of the University of Hong Kong. Speaking on the investigation, Dr Chow said: "I hope a preliminary report can be completed in two to three weeks by the investigation group on epidemiological study to give us a better understanding of the avian influenza infection at the Yuen Long farm, a full report can be completed in two months. The investigation group on vaccine study will submit a preliminary report in two to three months, and the full report will be submitted as early as possible within a year. "At the moment, there is no scientific evidence showing that the virus has mutated. There is also no sign of any human to human transmission. The objective of forming the investigation groups is to find out hard facts and data for us to better prepare for combating avian influenza in the future." The membership list of the investigation group on epidemiological study is as follows: Convenor: Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (Inspection &amp; Quarantine), Dr Thomas Sit Members: Head of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung Head of the Laboratory Animal Unit of the University of Hong Kong, Dr Lo King-shun Representative of Department of Health and Centre for Health Protection Representative of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Centre for Food Safety Representative of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Representative of Customs and Excise Department Secretary: Representative of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Observer: Representative of Food and Health Bureau The membership list of the investigation group on vaccine study is as follows: Convenor: Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Vice-convenor: Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Members: Expert representative of the Ministry of Agriculture Head of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung Head of the Laboratory Animal Unit of the University of Hong Kong, Dr Lo King-shun Representative of Department of Health and Centre for Health Protection Representative of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Secretary: Representative of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Observer: Representative of Food and Health Bureau ]]></description></item><item><title>Follow-up work on avian flu</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/11/P200812110304.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/11/P200812110304.htm</link><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:41:21 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[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&amp;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&amp;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&amp;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."]]></description></item><item><title>SFH on avian influenza</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/11/P200812110218.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/11/P200812110218.htm</link><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:49:01 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session at the Legislative Council Building today (December 11): Reporter: The smuggling of fertilised eggs...what has been done to address the situation? Secretary for Food and Health: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department sent their inspectors to our farms on a regular basis, averaging about once a week. And they also recorded down the number of chicken breeders, young chicks and also fertilised eggs. So the numbers have been kept on a regular basis. With the preliminary figures we do not see any significant change of numbers on the farms in Hong Kong. But since the trade also said that it is a common practice, so we will do another round in the coming days to ensure our system is complied with. I have to say also that our departments are aware that last time when we had the H5N1 virus in our market in June, it is very closely related to the Dragon Boat Festival. So this time close to the winter solstice, we have reminded and sent a letter to the trade and recommended to them that if they see any unlawful activities or smuggling of chickens and so on, they should report to us. So far we have not received any reports from the trade. Reporter: ...to do with smuggled chickens and fertilised eggs? Secretary for Food and Health: I think theoretically this can happen, but we do not have any evidence so far. I would appeal to the trade to give us any evidence if they can actually provide information. Reporter: (Positive samples?) Secretary for Food and Health:No. We have been examining the samples we have collected. So far there are two farms in the vicinity of this three-kilometre radius. And we have tested the chickens in the second farm, which turned out to be negative for H5. The other farms we have also tested in sequence, most of them are also negative. So far, we have not found any positive samples from the other farms. But we will do more samples in the coming weeks. (Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript.)]]></description></item><item><title>SFH on avian influenza</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/10/P200812100248.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/10/P200812100248.htm</link><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:06:01 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session at the Legislative Council Building today (December 10): Reporter: The microbiologist of Hong Kong University says the vaccine used for the chickens of Hong Kong doesn't seem to be effective, and waiting the Government to look at the vaccines used on the Mainland. How do you respond to that? Secretary for Food and Health: Regarding investigation of the outbreak, we follow two lines. First of all, we have to see where the source of the virus comes from, so this is the area that we look at the affected farm to see whether they lack biosecurity. The second is whether there is a change of immunity of the chickens in the farm to the virus, whether this change of immunity is due to the vaccination. So these are the two aspects that we will follow on. Regarding the vaccine, we have been using the same type of vaccine in the last six years. This is a natural trend that the virus would change over the years, even the minor genetic change. They may affect the immunity caused by the vaccination to the chicken. So we will be looking at how this would affect the decision of change of the vaccines. As you know, we have been using the H5N2 vaccines manufactured in the Netherlands. That was one of the most effective vaccines in the period of 2003 when we introduced that. Over the last few years it has been proven to be effective, but we also think that because of the change of the virus, we might have to look for a more appropriate vaccine. The Mainland has introduced a H5N1 vaccine in the last few years. They have also modified every now and then. So we have explored this option to look at whether we should change to the H5N1 vaccine too. But it is too premature to decide on that. We have to examine the recent virus whether it responds directly to the H5N1 vaccine. We have contacted the Mainland authorities to seek support and help, and see whether we can do some experiments to see if that is more effective than our current vaccine. As the same time, we will also be doing experiment with the Hong Kong University to see whether that is a much better way of vaccination. We have given the Hong Kong University some samples in June, when we had an outbreak here. They have been conducting some tests on chickens, because of the difficulty of finding a totally, sort of a clean chicken without any immunity so far they were not conclusive. And they said they would take a bit more time. Reporter: Why don't we just use the vaccine of the Mainland? It is more cost effective... Secretary for Food and Health: I doubt about the cost, because we were offered the vaccine at that time at a much cheaper price than the vaccine we are using. So this is not a matter of cost, but whether it is effective. As you know that the virus that is detected in some parts of the Mainland is different from that we have detected in Hong Kong. So we got to make sure that the vaccine is effective first. So we have to rely on the scientific experts' opinion on how to use it. Even if we use it, we need to start off with some pilot areas and selected farms. Reporter: Do you have any idea what causes H5N1 to go through the biosecurity measures? Secretary for Food and Health: We don¡¦t have any conclusion yet, but we are doing the investigations to check the setting of the farm. And also to get statements from the various workers who work in the farm to see whether there were any lapse of biosecurity measures, and whether there are any measures that should have been taken but not being done. So it takes some time for that investigation. I am not sure if we can actually draw a conclusion at this time. But I think we will try every means to get information from the farm and also from the workers. Reporter: What factor do you think? Secretary for Food and Health: As I said yesterday, we cannot exclude anything. But this is a big farm with 60,000 chickens. And we have also monitored the number of chickens in each of those farms in Hong Kong every week. I think that opportunity is there, but I don't think this is something that we can be conclusive right now. Reporter: Any sign of spreading? Secretary for Food and Health: No. I think this is well controlled. As far as we know, the farm is the only place that had dead chickens in the last two days. Our inspectors have also gone through the other farms in Hong Kong. And every farm is normal, there is no sign of any untoward conditions or increasing deaths in those farms. We have also collected samples for testing for the PCR. It is a quick test. That should be available in a day or two. So far we do not see any sign of spreading. And I have to reassure that everything is under control. We will be responding if you have found any new evidence anywhere. As you know that we are always very concerned about avian flu in Hong Kong, and whenever we find any early signs, we will take action right away. Reporter: Have FAO or OIE been informed? Secretary for Food and Health: We have informed them. The samples we have to collect and do our own culture first. (Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript.)]]></description></item><item><title>SFH on avian influenza</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/10/P200812100008.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/10/P200812100008.htm</link><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:50:26 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session at the West Wing lobby of Central Government Offices today (December 9): Secretary for Food and Health: We have received a report from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) that there was an outbreak of chicken deaths in one chicken farm in Yuen Long yesterday morning. We have discovered that there were up to 60 dead chickens in that farm, and after a series of tests, we have confirmed this morning that the chickens died from H5 virus. We had a meeting with all the concern departments this afternoon including the AFCD, the Department of Health and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). And with the recommendation of the AFCD, I have elevated the alert state of avian influenza to "serious" starting from now. The AFCD has already declared the affected farm as the index farm. And from that we have drawn a three-kilometre radius, so that any chicken in that area will be considered infected. The total infected farm would be two, and altogether there were about 80000 chickens. We shall cull those chickens, starting from the index farm, and then the second farm. We had also decided that we shall ban all the outlets of chickens from our farms for 21 days, and also suspend all the import of chicken and poultry including birds for the next 21 days. Since there are also chickens stored in Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Market, they will also be culled starting from tomorrow. The AFCD and the FEHD would also clean up those retail outlets and the wholesale market, to ensure that there would not be any more spreading of the virus. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) will contact the owners and the workers of the affected farms, to make sure they are not infected. So far we have not received any information about people being affected. Hong Kong is facing a new alert of avian flu. We should be more cautious particularly with the winter coming and also the appearance of H5 virus in our farm. I hope that all the citizens would be more cautious and ensure they look after themselves well, and also ensure they have a good personal hygiene and environmental hygiene. Reporter: How could this happen again? Secretary for Food and Health: The last time we have outbreak in a farm is at the end of 2002. With all the measures taken in the last six years, so far we did not have any outbreaks in any farms. This time round we are concerned about whether it would lead to such an outbreak. Now that the deaths were chickens breeders and also the so call sentinel chicken, that is, chicken that had not been vaccinated. We also found more vaccinated chickens being affected. We have to investigate the cause of the outbreak, and the sequence of the outbreak. We have to analyse the whole situation. And obviously we are concerned where the virus come from, as you know that virus exists in our natural environment with all the wild birds. This is something that we always aware of. But whether there is any biosecurity lapse in the farm or whether there is any contamination of any sort inside the farm, that requires more investigations. Reporter: (inaudible) AFCD Assistant Director (Inspection &amp; Quarantine) Dr. Thomas Sit: We know the viruses existed in the region especially in the winter time. The migrating birds and the wild birds will carry the virus. And during our surveillance in the last few years, you know the viruses present in the wild birds and the dead birds surveillance. That¡¦s why we had to investigate whether there will be some contamination from the wild bird species or other means for the virus to get into the farm and make the chicken infected. We will conduct investigation including taking blood samples and faecal samples in the affected farm. Reporter: Does that mean the vaccine is useless? Secretary for Food and Health: We cannot confirm this yet, but according to the facts received, there are also chickens with vaccination affected. So we have to investigate on both, whether the virus has changed or whether the vaccination has changed the immunity of them. Reporter: ¡K or any changes of the¡K? Secretary for Food and Health: We cannot conclude in just a couple of days. Usually, virus sequencing would take actually a few days, or up to two or three weeks before we can be certain. We will be doing more tests on this virus and we are also working with the Hong Kong University on this. Reporter: (inaudible) Secretary for Food and Health: We have been using the same vaccine during the last, I think six years. Reporter: Mainland¡K¡K? Secretary for Food and Health: I think there is always outbreak of chicken everywhere, every now and then. We have not actually received any information from the Mainland. Reporter: So, we won¡¦t have any fresh chicken immediately? Secretary for Food and Health: 21 days, I think it would be from now until after Christmas. Reporter: (inaudible) Secretary for Food and Health: We cannot conclude with just the information we got so far. We are investigating on various factors. As I mentioned earlier on, there are quite a number of factors that could actually result in such an outbreak. Reporter: (inaudible) Secretary for Food and Health: I think in May/April. Actually we have declared Hong Kong is in "Serious" state for 21 days, when we have a H5N1 virus in our market. Do you remember that? Reporter: ¡Kinfected chickens? Secretary for Food and Health: Since we have tested chickens from this farm last Friday. And after that, that batch of chickens was already gone into the market. And I believe it was all sold by now. Any of the new development after that could be only in a couple of days. So I don¡¦t think there is any delay in the reporting of this farm incident. Reporter: Financial tsunami¡K? AFCD Assistant Director (Inspection &amp; Quarantine) Dr. Thomas Sit: I think we are very unfortunate to start with. And these are not something related. The risk of avian flu is always there in our environment. And I think we have been always very vigilant in monitoring various biosecurity of our own farms and also the imported poultry. So in this case, of course I am concerned whether there is any extra factor that would affect us, and any extra measure that we have to take in the future. Unless we have any new information regarding the virus, and also the effectiveness of the vaccination, otherwise, I think the existing measures are basically of the international standards, and these are measures we need to continue. Apart from the policy and the measures, we have to ensure that people comply with them. We will try to investigate and see whether we can find a more probable cause for this outbreak. Reporter: ¡Ksufficient vaccine in stock? Secretary for Food and Health: As we have always prepared for the arrival of a possible pandemic, we have actually quite a sizeable stock of Tamiflu in the Department of Health and it should be quite sufficient for our protection up to about 20% of our population. So for this particular incident, we don¡¦t worry the shortage of Tamiflu. We should have sufficient drugs and medicines to look after anybody who might be exposed to avian flu. Report: What about the vaccine? Secretary for Food and Health: You mean avian flu vaccine for human? No, I think it is still in a very early experiment stage. (Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript)]]></description></item><item><title>Public hospitals to heighten vigilance for avian influenza</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/09/P200812090226.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200812/09/P200812090226.htm</link><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:38:51 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: In response to the Government's activation of Serious Response Level in view of avian influenza outbreak in a local poultry farm, the Hospital Authority (HA) has accordingly elevated to Serious Response Level after the urgent meeting of the Central Committee on Infectious Disease &amp; Emergency Response. The HA spokesman said the Authority, in close collaboration with the Centre for Health Protection, would implement enhanced surveillance on poultry workers and report to CHP for those with influenza-like illness. All frontline staff would be reminded to stay vigilant for avian influenza. "The Centre for Health Protection has also implemented medical surveillance for the exposed poultry workers from the farm and six workers were admitted to the HA Infectious Disease Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital. Investigations for high risk patients will be conducted." "Under the current Response Level, hospital visiting hours for acute wards are not more than four hours per day and not more than two visitors at a time, while that for convalescent hospitals are not more than six hours per day and not more than two visitors at a time." Public are also reminded of the infection control measures under the Serious Response Level, including the hand hygiene; visitors with respiratory symptoms are required to put on surgical masks in hospitals and clinics. The HA will continue to closely liaise and co-operate with the Centre for Health Protection to keep the general public and professionals posted of the most updated situation and relevant information.]]></description></item><item><title>Live chicken imports from Mainland to be increased</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200811/17/P200811170246.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200811/17/P200811170246.htm</link><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:07:31 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The live chicken imports from the Mainland will be increased from 5,000 to 7,000 chickens per day with effect from November 18, taking into consideration the latest market situation, sales capacity of the retail outlets and the demand from the live poultry trade, as well as balancing the risk of avian influenza, a spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said today (November 17). The spokesman said: "The Government will closely monitor the risk of avian influenza.The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will step up the inspection of retail outlets, wholesale market and local poultry farms." Meanwhile, the Government will tighten biosecurity measures at Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Poultry Wholesale Market to cope with the increase in the number of live chicken imports. Designated stocking areas will be provided in the wholesale market for keeping live poultry overnight.The AFCD will turn the existing vacant wholesale stalls into live poultry stocking areas with the following biosecurity measures in place: * the areas will be installed with bird netting to prevent contacts with wild birds; * chickens and minor poultry will be stocked separately; * all poultry will be transferred to metal cages each provided with feeding trays and bottom faecal trays; * imported and local chickens as well as poultry from different wholesalers will be stocked in separate cages clearly marked with labels; * all the chickens stocked in these areas must be delivered out of the wholesale market no later than 7 am on the following day; * after all the chickens are cleared by 7 am, disinfection will be conducted between 7 am and 9 am on a daily basis where the areas and cages will be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected before the new batch of poultry to be stocked could be admitted into the areas; and * tests on avian influenza for the live poultry in these areas will be conducted twice a week. For the other areas in the wholesale market outside the stocking areas, all chickens must be cleared and the areas must be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected every day. The spokesman said: "Since the modification works for the stocking areas may take around two months to complete, as a biosecurity enhancement measure during the transitional period, temporary live poultry stocking areas have already been set up for wholesalers to stock live poultry overnight in a bid to facilitate thorough cleansing of their stalls on a daily basis." ]]></description></item><item><title>SFH on food recall law</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200810/20/P200810200231.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200810/20/P200810200231.htm</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:16:01 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a media stand-up session in the West Wing lobby of Central Government Offices today (October 20): Reporter: When do you expect the new legislation (the law about prohibiting import and sale, and ordering recall of problem food) can be tabled? Have you consulted the retail industry on this? Secretary for Food and Health: In the last few weeks, we have been consulting various stakeholders regarding the amendment of the legislation. We foresee that after we have gone through the various steps in the internal scrutiny of the Government, we will present the legislation to the legislature as soon as possible. Reporter: Did any stakeholders express any concerns about the legislation? Secretary for Food and Health: I think the trade only expressed concern about under what sort of circumstances we would exercise this authority. The main concern is whether we would be too non specific, whether there would be a mechanism for appeal and compensation if they suffer any loss. That will be addressed by the legislation. (Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript)]]></description></item><item><title>House Crow tested for H5 virus</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200810/17/P200810170291.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200810/17/P200810170291.htm</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:27:36 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Preliminary testing of a dead House Crow found in Sham Shui Po has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (October 17), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted. The carcass was found and collected on October 15 at the refuse collection chamber in Sham Shui Po Park. "In view of this case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters have been issued to farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken," the spokesman said. The spokesman said that the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms, the wholesale market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented. The department would 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 of Health will enhance health education and distribute health advice leaflets. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has reminded all of its park staff to remain vigilant and step up precautionary measures including regular cleaning and disinfection. 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.]]></description></item><item><title>Government starts off buyout package for live poultry trade</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200807/25/P200807250276.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200807/25/P200807250276.htm</link><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:08:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said today (July 25) that the Government had decided to start off the buyout package for the live poultry trade and to extend the deadline for poultry retailers to surrender their licence or permission to sell live poultry by two months to until September 24. After the close of application last night, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had received a total of 339 applications for ex-gratia payments. The number represented about 72.4% of the total number of retailers. Dr Chow said: "Although the number of applications did not meet our target of 85%, we decided to start off the package after assessing the situation last night and discussion at the steering committee on avian influenza this morning. "I understand retailers need more time to consider licence surrender. Therefore, we extended the deadline by two months to September 24. However, the date for winding up their business remains September 24." Dr Chow added that under such circumstances, live chickens for sale at retail outlets and the chance of human contact with live poultry would be greatly reduced in the future. Coupled with the policy of no live poultry being kept overnight at retail outlets, it could alleviate the public health threat posed by avian influenza. In addition, many retailers reflected to the Government that due to the uncertain business prospects of the live poultry trade, they would like the Government to buy them out from the live poultry market or help them switch to the chilled and frozen meat business. Having regard to these factors, the Government decided to start off the buyout package. There will be 129 fresh provision shops and market stalls selling live poultry remaining in the market. It is expected that the total sales volume will be greatly reduced to about 11,000 to 15,000 chickens a day. Retailers who have chosen to opt out from live poultry trade could run their business until September 24. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will issue letters to poultry farmers, wholesalers, transporters and affected local workers advising them to submit applications for ex-gratia payments under the buyout package. On live chicken imports from the Mainland, the Government would assess the latest situation and discuss with Mainland authorities the number of imports to meet the market demand. In the long run, the Government could consider adjusting the number of live chicken imports from the Mainland. Dr Chow said he believed that local and Mainland chickens would each take up half of the market share. On the policy of separating humans from live poultry, he said the Government would revisit the mode of central slaughtering with a view to speeding up the pace of separating humans from live poultry. Before putting in practice central slaughtering, the Government would maintain the policy of no live poultry being kept overnight at retail outlets. Dr Chow stressed: "Those who chose to remain in the live poultry trade have to bear the risks of any future outbreak of avian influenza. No ex-gratia payment or financial assistance, other than statutory compensation (i.e. a maximum of $30 per bird slaughtered), will be provided to them."]]></description></item><item><title>SFH on buyout package for live poultry trade</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200807/25/P200807250176.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200807/25/P200807250176.htm</link><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:30:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session in the West Wing lobby of Central Government Offices today (July 25): Secretary for Food and Health: We have made a decision this morning after the meeting of the steering committee on avian influenza on the policy of granting ex-gratia payment for the live poultry trade in Hong Kong, having analysed the number of applications we have received last night, which is 339 stalls. Out of that, 161 are coming from the fresh provision shops and 178 from our market stalls. The total number of live poultry stalls will be reduced from 468 to 129. At the same time, the number of poultry, particularly chickens in Hong Kong, will be reduced from the pre-June number of about 40,000 down to 11,000 to 15,000 per day. This is a substantial reduction of live chickens in our markets and will substantially reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza to humans in our markets. With that in mind, we have decided to go ahead with the ex-gratia payment for the existing 339 applicants. At the same time, we feel that with the request from some of the retailers that they need more time to consider, we have also extended the application date to the retail trade for another two months until September 24. But they must terminate business before that day as other applicants who have already decided. This is what we have made for the retail trade for the time being. I have to explain the reason why we have to do this. With the reduction in the number of chickens in markets, our health inspectors and avian influenza surveillance will be more effective to conduct tests in those places in the coming months. We could also have better enforcement of any possibility of smuggling of chickens in the markets. This is something that we think is very effective for the time being. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will be contacting the other traders soon - the transporters, the wholesalers and the farmers to see how many of them would be interested in terminating their business. They will also be entitled to the ex-gratia payment that we have promised. We shall adjust the number of live chickens coming from the Mainland, so that we will meet the demand and the capacity of the retail level, about 11,000 to 15,000 per day. This will be split into 50-50, that is, half from Hong Kong and half from the Mainland, similar to the existing arrangement. Regarding the long-term arrangement, I think with the reduction of the poultry stalls and live poultry in Hong Kong, we will be able to plan a smaller size central slaughtering plant for the future. We hope that this will also shorten the time that would lead to total segregation of poultry and human in the longer term. Reporter: (inaudible) Secretary for Food and Health: I think we have already stated that whoever is going to stay in this trade, particularly the retailers, they have to maintain the existing policy of no live chickens overnight in our markets. At the same time, if they face any unexpected incidents of avian influenza in future, they will not have any compensation regarding economic loss. We will compensate for any culling of chickens that are necessary. Reporter: What caused you to back down? Secretary for Food and Health: I think we based on 85% as an indicator, that is given to us by the trade. At that time, because they thought they could not survive with no live chickens overnight policy that we have imposed on them. It seems that for the past three weeks, the policy was working quite well. And also, the market is functioning quite effectively. I think that might be the reason why more people are willing to stay. We cannot actually analyse everyone of them. But it is important to note that it is the Government's policy that for the time-being, we have to impose no chickens overnight policy. Those who cannot survive, they can choose to quit the business. We do not like to give substantial compensation if there is no substantial number of stalls that decide to quit. We have set a target of 85%. Now, looking at the number of stalls remaining and the number of chickens remaining, we feel that this is also a feasible policy and also a worthwhile policy to go ahead. Reporter: (inaudible) Secretary for Food and Health: I think nobody is completely relaxed when it comes to avian influenza. It is something threatening every country, every community, particularly in this part of the world. This is important for us to do as much as we can in order to minimise the risk. What we are doing now is trying to stop avian influenza in Hong Kong, particularly in wet markets. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)]]></description></item><item><title>SFH satisfied with arrangements for resumption of live poultry trading</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200807/02/P200807020265.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200807/02/P200807020265.htm</link><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:28:00 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said today (July 2) he was satisfied with the arrangements for the resumption of trading of live poultry. Dr Chow thanked the traders for their co-operation and the public for their support. "This has facilitated the smooth implementation of no live poultry at retail outlets overnight from the outset." Dr Chow explained that for public health reasons, the Government had to prohibit the stocking of live poultry at retail outlets overnight to minimise the risk of virus accumulating in the environment of the retail outlets. He also said that with the threat of avian influenza, the Government had to adopt the new policy of no overnight stocking of live poultry at retail outlets before the implementation of separation of humans from live poultry. He called on traders to thoroughly cleanse and disinfect the retail premises and related facilities every night, to strictly adhere to existing control measures and to fully co-operate with the Government. Trading of live poultry should be conducted in a safe and hygienic environment, he said. As regards the buy-out proposals, Dr Chow said, " The live poultry trade has expressed the view that implementation of the ban on overnight stocking will seriously affect their operation. The Government has proposed a package for live poultry traders who will choose to surrender their licences or tenancies. There is a limit to the amount of ex-gratia payments and there is not much room for adjustment. I hope the traders will consider the package carefully and practically. "We know that some traders may choose to continue with their operation. However, they should bear the operational risks should there be any outbreak of avian influenza and business disruption in the future." The detection of avian influenza virus in environmental samples in four markets on June 11 prompted the Government to suspend live chicken retail operation for 21 days. Trading of live poultry resumed today.]]></description></item></channel></rss>