There is no evidence to suggest that foot-and-mouth disease in Hong Kong is more serious this year, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.

Some 1,200 pigs were confirmed to be infected with the disease last year, compared with 2,200 and 4,100 for 2002 and 2001 respectively.

Most of the pigs were infected in the winter months. In January, about 900 pigs were reported to have been infected.

Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Lai Ching-wai said the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease from pigs to humans through direct contact is extremely rare. The Department of Health has not received any report of such human infections in Hong Kong.

Mr Lai urged farmers to report foot-and-mouth disease cases to the department as soon as possible so they can be provided veterinary diagnostic services.

"It also enables us to monitor the serotype of the virus so that an appropriate vaccine can be chosen if a new serotype is found," he said.

The department is inspecting pig farms for any unreported foot-and-mouth disease cases. The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has also mounted an operation to check for any illegal dumping of dead pigs.

"We distributed the vaccination protocol to all pig farmers before the winter so they can step up their preparation before the usual peak season of the disease," Mr Lai said.

Farmers are reminded to maintain good farm hygiene and properly dispose of animal carcasses. Improper dumping of a carcass may lead to prosecution and possible revocation of the farm licence.

All pigs in the slaughterhouse have gone through health inspections before marketing. If pigs are suspected to have localised infection, relevant parts will be condemned to ensure quality pork in line with the international hygiene standards.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a common viral disease occurring in pigs in the region including in Hong Kong. Farmers control the disease by vaccination.