Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, at a media session at the Legislative Council Complex today (June 6):

Reporter: Would you consider a request from traders not to cull all pigs at the slaughterhouse when there is an African Swine Fever case? And what other measures would you take to maintain a stable supply of pork?

Secretary for Food and Health: First of all, the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse resumes operation to provide slaughtering service after thorough cleansing. To strengthen the prevention of African Swine Fever at local level, the Government reached a consensus with the live pig trade to start imposing a daily clearance arrangement upon reopening of our Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse. It is projected today that there will be 1000 pigs from the Mainland, plus 400 pigs from local farms for (fresh pork) supply tomorrow, the Tuen Ng Festival. Regarding the 24 hours clearance (of live pigs) upon admittance into the slaughterhouse, under this arrangement, the lairages in different areas of the slaughterhouse will be cleared and undergo thorough cleansing every day to further enhance the bio-security of, and also minimise the risk of infection among pigs in, the slaughterhouse. Of course, we would continue to monitor. Our colleagues from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department would continue to monitor this new arrangement, and also discuss and continue to have close communication with the trade.

Reporter: How about the request from the traders?

Secretary for Food and Health: As far as the new arrangement is concerned, and also in terms of the bio-security, we would consult experts and also maintain close communication and discussion with the trade about the future situation.
 

Ends/Thursday, June 6, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:13

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