Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man today signed an agreement to strengthen co-operation on veterinary matters, in Beijing.
He signed the deal with Vice Minister for Agriculture Yu Kangzhen.
Dr Ko said the arrangement lays a solid foundation for further collaboration between the veterinary agencies of Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Under the agreement, both parties will further enhance collaboration in areas such as legislation on veterinary matters, regulation of veterinarians, and notification of incidents of animal diseases and major food safety incidents with primary animal origin.
The two sides also agreed to enhance communication on animal disease surveillance, especially at times of outbreaks of animal diseases or zoonotic diseases, to ensure timely notification.
They will launch collaborative projects in laboratory technology and scientific research in relation to serious animal diseases such as rabies, foot and mouth disease, and avian flu.
