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The University of Hong Kong (HKU) found in its regular influenza virus surveillance programme that five samples taken from pigs at the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse on December 17 had tested positive for the human swine influenza (pandemic influenza A H1N1) virus, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (December 30).
No gene reassortment has occurred and the virus remained genetically similar to the human swine flu viruses regularly found in humans. It is believed that the flu virus has been transmitted from human to pigs.
The concerned samples were taken from pigs imported from the Mainland. The FEHD had informed the Mainland authorities, and had strengthened monitoring of registered farms that supplied live pigs to Hong Kong.
Similar findings have been reported in other countries, so the current finding is not a surprise. It is expected that the virus may be detected from time to time again in the universityˇ¦s surveillance programme in the future.
The World Health Organisation, World Organisation for Animal Health, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and World Trade Organisation stated that pork and pork products which were handled properly and thoroughly cooked were not a source of human swine influenza infection, the FEHD spokesman said.
"It is safe to eat pork and pork products that are cooked to an internal temperature of 70 degree Celsius or above.
"The risk of humans contracting the pandemic H1N1 swine influenza is not increased by the current finding. There is no cause for the public to over-react.
"All imported live pigs from the Mainland should come from registered farms and be accompanied by health certificates issued by the Mainland authorities. The FEHD will inspect the certificates and health conditions of the imported pigs at the boundary control point.
"Pigs have to go through ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection in the slaughterhouses. Only pigs which pass the inspection can be supplied to the market and sold for consumption," the spokesman said.
"Apart from enhanced inspection of imported live pigs, FEHD has also reminded slaughterhouse staff and people who might be in contact with live pigs to pay attention to personal hygiene, and to wear masks and appropriate protective gear when working."
The Government launched the Human Swine Influenza (HSI) Vaccination Programme on December 21. Those involved in the pig farming and slaughtering trade are among the target groups to be vaccinated.
Ends/Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:31
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