Pristine park: Leisure & Cultural Services Department staff clean Sham Shui Po Park to reduce the risk of avian flu infection among wild birds.

Measures have been bolstered to reduce the risk of avian flu infection among wild birds, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation (Inspection & Quarantine) Dr Thomas Sit says.

This follows an inter-departmental meeting chaired by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Stella Hung yesterday in which it was agreed that a concerted effort by departments was required to address the issue.

To enhance monitoring of the Bird Garden in Mong Kok, the department staff today put up posters and gave out letters to stall owners reminding them of the importance of observing sanitary requirements against bird flu.

More inspections

Dr Sit said: "We inspect pet bird stalls in the Bird Garden three times daily. Since February 10, pet bird traders have been required to keep health certificates of all imported birds. This helps us trace the origins of the birds and ensure that health requirements are met through import control.

"We have given verbal warnings to several traders and will take prosecution actions if necessary."

Of some 2,660 dead birds collected across the city to test for H5 virus in January and February, 13 were confirmed H5N1-positive.

Similar rate

"However, this rate is very similar to the same period of last year when 16 out of about 3,000 birds collected were tested positive," Dr Sit said.

Since eight dead birds confirmed H5N1-positive were collected in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok, the Government has decided to mount a special cleansing operation in the districts to address public concern.

Cleaning work has been undertaken throughout the city. Today's joint operation by the Housing, Food & Environmental Hygiene, and Leisure & Cultural Services Departments covered areas including Lai On Estate, Lai Chi Kok Road and Sham Shui Po Park. Places in public housing estates, streets, parks and wholesale poultry market in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok areas where wild birds gather will be targeted in particular. It will be completed within two weeks.

People sould observe good personal hygiene and avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. For more health tips, click here.