Surveillance has found the risk of pigeons being infected with the H5 avian influenza virus and infecting other species is low.

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong told the Legislative Council today that the Government has been monitoring H5 infection in pigeons raised in local farms and imported pigeons. The surveillance programme also covers wild pigeon droppings.

"We will stay vigilant in our surveillance programme to watch for any sign of change of the risk," he said.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department started taking stringent enforcement action against illegal feeding of pigeons in October. Up to January, 41 fixed penalty notices were issued to people littering while feeding feral birds. Relevant departments will continue enforcement action against offenders.

The Government has published pamphlets and erected warning signs at conspicuous locations in popular bird feeding places to remind people not to feed wild birds.