Pet bird shops urged to take precautions against avian flu
********************************************************** The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (October 24) said inspections of pet bird stalls are conducted regularly to ensure that they have taken precautions against avian flu.
A department spokesman said more than 220 swab samples were collected from local pet bird stalls for tests for highly pathogenic avian flu viruses each month and the test results were all negative.
"Over the past nine months, more than 200 tests had also been done on samples taken from imported pet birds and none contained avian flu viruses", he said.
To import birds into Hong Kong, traders have to obtain a special permit from the department. Permits to import the birds are only issued after the disease status of the country is checked.
The pet birds undergo at least 14 days quarantine before export and must be accompanied by health certificates, to show the consignments are free of any disease. The consignments are also tested on arrival in Hong Kong.
120 consignments of pet birds have been imported into Hong Kong so far this year. Six consignments were seized and destroyed as they did not have the correct health certificates.
Since early 2004, all pet bird traders have been required to wear gloves when handling bird droppings as part of the animal trade licence conditions.
The spokesman called on traders to fully comply with the licence conditions or risk having their licences revoked.
He also urged the public to observe good personal hygiene, washing their hands thoroughly after having contact with pet birds. Owners should not kiss birds and birds should not be kept in eating areas or have access to food prepared for people.
********************************************************** The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (October 24) said inspections of pet bird stalls are conducted regularly to ensure that they have taken precautions against avian flu.
A department spokesman said more than 220 swab samples were collected from local pet bird stalls for tests for highly pathogenic avian flu viruses each month and the test results were all negative.
"Over the past nine months, more than 200 tests had also been done on samples taken from imported pet birds and none contained avian flu viruses", he said.
To import birds into Hong Kong, traders have to obtain a special permit from the department. Permits to import the birds are only issued after the disease status of the country is checked.
The pet birds undergo at least 14 days quarantine before export and must be accompanied by health certificates, to show the consignments are free of any disease. The consignments are also tested on arrival in Hong Kong.
120 consignments of pet birds have been imported into Hong Kong so far this year. Six consignments were seized and destroyed as they did not have the correct health certificates.
Since early 2004, all pet bird traders have been required to wear gloves when handling bird droppings as part of the animal trade licence conditions.
The spokesman called on traders to fully comply with the licence conditions or risk having their licences revoked.
He also urged the public to observe good personal hygiene, washing their hands thoroughly after having contact with pet birds. Owners should not kiss birds and birds should not be kept in eating areas or have access to food prepared for people.
Ends/Monday, October 24, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:12
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