Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department
The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department is responsible for the secure, orderly and efficient production and marketing of agricultural and fishery produce; enforcing regulations on plants, pesticides and animal controls; and conserving our natural environment and safeguarding the ecological integrity.
Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says the Government will bolster measures to guard against avian flu, although there is no significant increase in the risk of a pandemic in Hong Kong. Government officers will inspect local poultry farms and conduct more checks on live birds. Cleaning work at poultry farms and markets will be strengthened.
Speaking after an inter-departmental meeting on avian influenza today, Dr Chow said the infected 59-year-old woman, whose case was reported yesterday, has been transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital and is still in serious condition. He said preliminary tests show she has a clade 2.3.2 avian virus which is common in Asia.
As the virus can be found in Hong Kong and on the Mainland, it is hard to confirm whether the case is a local or imported one. Experts said the incubation period indicates she likely contracted the virus on the Mainland. The Government has informed the World Health Organisation and the Mainland authorities of the case. It has also asked Guangdong to strengthen surveillance and checks on poultry farms supplying birds to Hong Kong. So far no problems have been found on these farms.
Hospital safeguards
The Hospital Authority has tightened precautionary measures in public hospitals, like shortening visiting hours, and requiring staff and visitors to wear masks. Tests will be conducted on patients with fever and other flu symptoms, those who have just returned to Hong Kong from Nanjing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, and patients have visited markets and had close contact to poultry.
The Centre for Health Protection has traced the eight people who had close contact with the 59-year-old patient, including three of her family members and five patients who shared her cubical in Tuen Mun Hospital. They have not developed abnormal symptoms so far.
The centre has informed local doctors of the latest situation and will remind institutions and schools to take preventive measures.
More inspections, tests
Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department staff inspected the Bird Garden in Mong Kok this afternoon and took samples for tests to see whether birds have been infected with the virus.
Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Shirley Chuk said the department will remind operators in the wholesale poultry market and the bird garden to monitor hygiene and personal health.
