|
Vancouver
Mayor Proclaims Hong Kong Day
HK
Cyberport & Banff Centre Collaborate
WTO
Conference in HK - Many Achievements
HK
Economy Ranked World's Freest
Research
Points to HK as Gateway to China
Record
Year for Investment Promotion in HK
HK:
Launch Pad for Atlantic Canada & Quebec
Investment
in Human Capital Essential
HKSARG
Steps Up Measures Against Avian Flu
News
Capsule
|
With preliminary tests finding two new H5N1 cases in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has stepped up precautionary measures to safeguard the public from suffering an avian influenza attack.
There were no commercial farms operating within the 5-km parameter of the chicken that tested positive, but as a precautionary measure, the Administration decided to close all aviaries managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) as well as the Mai Po Nature Reserve. Ocean Park will also close all of its walk-in aviaries.
The LCSD has been keeping close watch on its some 1,500-bird collection in four major parks and found the status of the birds was healthy.
The Government has strengthened surveillance on wild birds as well as poultry farms and stalls. The authorities have tightened inspections at sea, land, and air boundaries to deter smuggling activities on birds and poultry.
As part of the measures to reduce the risk of H5N1 infection among poultry, a ban on backyard poultry came into force in February.
The Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, assured the public that proper measures have been taken up by relevant departments to guard against avian influenza amid concerns that birds might spread the virus.
"The recent avian flu outbreak among birds and poultry in the region is a cause for concern,” said Mrs. Yau. “However, there is no evidence to-date to suggest that the H5N1 virus is capable of efficient human-to-human transmission. So far, the series of preventive measures we adopted in the community are generally effective in countering the threat of avian flu.
She cautioned that the community cannot afford to be complacent and should continue to place public health as our number one priority. “The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau will continue its proactive role in co-ordinating interdepartmental efforts to combat infectious diseases through a population-based, cross-sectoral approach," she said.
Top
|
