_|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

[Shiloh]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Source: http://www.macaudailytimesnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12461&Itemid=28

Avian Flu outbreak "low risk" in Macau

Friday, 13 June 2008

The Avian Flu Co-ordinating Group's technical team said yesterday after a closed meeting that Macau is at a "relatively low risk" for the virus outbreak and has no need to stop importing live poultry and birds from the mainland.
Following the H5NI virus recently being detected in a number of fresh food markets in Hong Kong that led to the instant temporarily close down of all poultry stalls and the slaughter of remaining live chickens, a meeting was held including the presence of representatives from the Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Health Bureau, and the Government Information Bureau.
The team members decided on a series of risk management measures in case when avian flu is found in any local poultry and birds sales outlets.
Once a sales outlet's virus test result appears to be positive, business has to be suspended for seven days and all of its live stock has to be slaughtered.
A health assessment will be conducted after the seven day period and if the result does not pass, the Health Bureau will has the right to prolong the sales suspension period to 21 days.
The technical team said Macau's current epidemic prevention work is "effective" and they believe that the key to prevent Avian Flu is to ensure a full implementation of the prevention work.
If birds are found dead in the community, the public can call the wild bird bodies handling hotline on 28870120.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

hat tip Treyfish

Hong Kong culls more birds as the flu threat widens

13/06/2008 -- 10:42 PM

Hong Kong (VNA) – China’s Hong Kong moved to stop what could be its biggest threat from bird flu since 1997, after chickens from three more wet markets in different districts tested positive for the killer H5N1 virus on June 11.

Some 3,500 chickens have been culled from 260 stalls, all 64 wet markets have been shut, and chickens products at 209 fresh provision shops were seized.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

hat tip Treyfish

Hong Kong culls more birds as the flu threat widens

13/06/2008 -- 10:42 PM

Hong Kong (VNA) ? China?s Hong Kong moved to stop what could be its biggest threat from bird flu since 1997, after chickens from three more wet markets in different districts tested positive for the killer H5N1 virus on June 11.

Some 3,500 chickens have been culled from 260 stalls, all 64 wet markets have been shut, and chickens products at 209 fresh provision shops were seized.

Is there any indication that frozen products are being seized or recalled?

 

[Commonground]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

1400000 market explosion forced the authorities to help the storm
2008-06-13

(See Li An, LUO Jing Wen) ordered the government to suspend the supply of live chicken farms in Hong Kong for 21 days, the accumulation of live chickens from farms increased. Chicken farmers have estimated 10 days after the day-old chickens when they grow up, the venue of the live chickens will be "Baopeng" will only Qin Shouba chickens slaughtered, suffered heavy losses. The source said that the Government can help chicken farmers resettlement of chickens, chicken farms to reduce excessive accumulations, if necessary, to help destroy "old chicken", later to discuss the issue of compensation.
Wong Yung-kan worry more chickens infected by bird crisis.
-snip-
Members of the Legislative Council Agriculture and Fisheries Wong Yung-kan said that at present local farms about 200,000 school age sale of live chickens, live chickens government ban on the 21st, will make the relevant age group to the sale of live chickens number 1000000. He believes that the recent confront uncertain weather, the chickens will increase farm outbreak of avian flu crisis.
50 chicken farms No flu symptoms
Government sources said that at present, 50 chicken farms in Hong Kong as many as 1.4 million chickens, several inspections found no chickens in the farms, "Chuitousangqi" or "runny nose" and other symptoms of bird flu, chickens in good health, However, based on the market poultry stalls and fresh provision shops had belonged to the infected places, not the sale of live chickens.

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?h...aper.wenweipo.com/2008/06/13/HK0806130005.htm

 

[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=con_tit align=middle height=45>Monday the mountain reiterated that must implement central slaughtering</TD></TR><TR><TD class=line9 align=middle height=29>2008-6-14</TD></TR><TR><TD><!-- <table width="100%" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" class="border_gray line9"> <tr> <td bgcolor="#F2F2F2"></td> </tr></table> --></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD class=line11>
[Da Gong Bao news]Reappears the Hong Kong downtown facing the bird flu, food and sanitation bureau chief Monday the mountain reiterated that prevents the bird flu most feasible method is the person chicken separation, long-term must implement central slaughtering. The authority has carried on the selected location and the link on the central slaughter house comments, estimated that may carry out most quickly in 2011. He said that the government will only guarantee under the market environment security, only will then resume the live chicken retail sales.
Regarding the government discovered that a many downtown chicken sample has the H5N1 bird flu virus, Monday the mountain indicated that finally demonstrated the Hong Kong supervision mechanism is effective, believed Hong Kong also has not had H5N1 now the viral proliferation and the spread, but the authority quite pays attention to the event. He reiterated that the Hong Kong long-term must implement central slaughtering, person chicken separation. The government has carried on the selected location and the link on the central slaughter house comments, the next stage will carry on the tender and the construction, estimated that most soon only then may carry out to 2011, but the authority must listen respectfully to the field opinion.
Threatens facing the bird flu, Monday the mountain said that cannot depend on the government action only, the field must cooperate. He pointed out that now retails the field to have weakness, must therefore have the further limit and the regulation, ensures the environmental safety, as well as strengthens the monitoring retail sales stratification plane the security, the market condition only then may supply the live chicken. As for whether to carry out the downtown live chicken not to keep the over night, to clean the downtown arrangement every day, he expressed consults with the field, and thought that needs the field cooperation, but approves the related arrangement to be able to affect the field income and brings the attack. Monday the mountain indicated that knows the field facing the quite big risk, but field already clear must make undertakes. He expresses the sympathetic field, after the authority listens respectfully to the field opinion, the research to them makes the reasonable compensation. In accordance to the field demand, the authority will consider that will promote again returns the license plate plan voluntarily.
The smuggling chicken is possibly the bird flu epidemic focus
In addition, Monday the mountain indicated that the government has put in the resources and carries on the reform to guarantee the chicken only supplies the chain security, but the virus still appeared in the market condition, he estimated that the chicken only infects the virus mainly to have three possibilities: The viral variety, the chicken only appear to the virus vaccines exceptionally responded that as well as has the belt virus's chicken only to penetrate the external way to flow in the Hong Kong. However, he said that virus's gene arrangement test demonstrated that the viral variety's possibility is not high, but the authority only carries on the examination for the farm chicken the preliminary result to reflect, the chicken serum antibody only exceptionally has not reduced, the chicken only presents the possibility which to the virus vaccines exceptionally responded not to be big. As for virus whether to come from smuggling chicken, Monday the mountain believed that the related possibility is high, the customs are investigating. Catches an illness the threat as for the humanity, Monday the mountain said that the health protection center receives 80 related bird flu's inquiries until now, but has not received some people to infect the bird flu to report. The authority has paid attention the domesticated fowl employee's health closely, and has given the sensitive luck and so on. He indicated that the expert said the common bird flu virus the incubation period is from five to seventh, therefore the authority will kill the chicken date by the Hong Kong downtown to supervise for two weeks, nobody infection bird flu only then may feel relieved. In addition, Monday the mountain said that at present and the non-evidence demonstration virus infection horses, believed Hong Kong was still safe. The authority will affirm that the Olympic Games period Hong Kong's hygienic security, and will eliminate the hygienic security threat as soon as possible, will make August's Olympic Games to be not affected.:tiphat:
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[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=con_tit align=middle height=45>Instead daily the clear chicken sells momentarily abandons sells the live chicken</TD></TR><TR><TD class=line9 align=middle height=29>2008-6-14</TD></TR><TR><TD><!-- <table width="100%" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" class="border_gray line9"> <tr> <td bgcolor="#F2F2F2"></td> </tr></table> --></TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle><TABLE class=news_pics><TBODY><TR><TD>

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Chart: After Hong Kong and Kowloon New Territory Domesticated fowl Wholesale Retail sales Chamber of commerce's representative and Shihuanshu meet with, indicated that does not accept ?is daily clear? the suggestion. Right one (the newspaper absorbs) for chamber of commerce President Huang Weiquan
The domesticated fowl field and the government ?daily were yesterday clear? on the live chicken the suggestion and kill the chicken compensation question to hold a meeting to discuss that both sides have not reached the mutual recognition. The authority indicated that the live chicken ?is daily clear? makes the law effective prevention bird flu and Du 絕 smuggles chicken's question. The field intense opposition related makes the law, they said that the field accepts with difficulty encroaches on capital the management, the government, if enforces, does not remove the retail sales chicken to sell gives up selling the live chicken. The people of Hong Kong possibly momentarily fall into does not have ?the live chicken food? the day.
Newspaper Reporter Yang Hongda Guo Hui Xian
Food Wei Ju and the Shihuanshu officials carried on the conference yesterday with 12 Hong Kong and Kowloon New Territory Domesticated fowl Wholesale Retail sales Chamber of commerce's representative, the conference carry on for the first time for nearly two hours, both sides the suggestion which and the compensation question did not pass the night on the live chicken carry on the discussion. After chamber of commerce President Huang Weiquan meeting indicated that the entire profession will not accept the live chicken not to be possible to keep the over night the suggestion. He pointed out that Hong Kong operating condition and Macao are able to discriminate, Macao chicken files may two times enter the chicken, the convenient chicken files management, Hong Kong only may disposable enter the goods, the field estimates into the chicken quantity with difficulty, the execution live chicken does not pass the night will be been only serious the field loss. ?does not have the chicken files to be willing to do the losing proposition, the government, if the compulsion field execution, the commerce not possibly manages radically, most what is at the appointed time bad luck is the resident, Hong Kong retail market henceforth does not have the live chicken supply.?He said that the field has made the concessions at the prevention bird flu, suggested that increases the downtown clean date by present's first-and-a-half to second, hoped that considers to suggest earnestly. He indicated that if carries out strongly ?is daily clear? makes the law, will not remove in next Monday's legislature special session protested.
The field requests to reopen the ice fresh chicken market
Besides does not accept the live chicken ?to be daily clear? the suggestion, the field also expresses two item of demands in the conference; first, requests to reopen the ice fresh chicken market, allowed that may sell the ice fresh chicken's chicken files to sell the ice fresh chicken again. Huang Weiquan indicated that the ice fresh chicken passes through the health quarantine before delivery, the certificate may safe edible, the criticism government forbids the chicken files sell ice fresh chicken is the unreasonable blockade marketing channel.
Both sides also exchange the opinion on the live chicken compensation plan. Huang Weiquan said that after having referred to the chamber of commerce member opinion, thought that should enhance the live chicken destruction compensation volume to 60 Yuan one, the ordinary downtown chicken files' compensation severence pay enhances by the former 30,000 Yuan to 40,000 Yuan; The fresh grain shop and the collar collect govern the downtown the severence pay to enhance to 80,000 Yuan; In accordance to this time slaughters the quantity to be huge, the field is serious in the chicken on loss, request government also chicken foot and goose's foot's loss computation; Simultaneously if the government the stop field management's day surpasses on 21st, then request exempt from taxation three months. The food bureau refers to ?daily is clear? is ultimately After Shihuanshu bureau chief outstanding Yongxing meeting indicated that understood will not keep the live chicken over night the procedure to affect the field management, but will not reform the anti-epidemic measures, with difficulty completely Du 絕 bird flu; ?daily is clear? makes the law is ultimately, can safeguard the public health, enforces the law quite easily to process. He said that has no intention to strangle the live chicken sale profession, but the government has the responsibility to safeguard the residential health, hoped that the field gives careful consideration to the suggestion. As for increases the downtown clean date, outstanding Yongxing believed that the related suggestion only patches the measure, has not been able to prevent and control the bird flu, the live chicken ?daily is clear? is effectively effective makes the law. Sells on the chicken requests to raise the compensation volume, outstanding Yongxing indicated that will study the commerce request positively, later to the commerce collection chicken foot and the goose's foot price's material, the appraisal overall compensation volume, seperately, the authority will reply the de-archiving ice fresh chicken market in one week the question.:tiphat:
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[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

National Chief Veterinary Officer: Mainland no recent bird flu outbreak
http://www.enorth.com.cn <!--function pub_date() parse begin-->

2008-06-13 20:35​

Recently, a number of live poultry markets in Hong Kong in environmental samples detected the avian flu virus, the Hong Kong SAR authorities adopted a series of stringent measures. Mainland journalists on bird flu prevention and control in an interview with the National Chief Veterinary Officer Jia Youling.
Reporter: Recently, a number of live poultry markets in Hong Kong in environmental samples detected the avian flu virus have yet to find a focus, you have any views ? Mainland bird flu prevention and control situation ?
<!--advertisement code begin--><!--none--><!--advertisement code end--> Jia Youling: According to the Hong Kong SAR Government departments communications, June 7, Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong ?On Road Market collected 20 environmental samples in the five isolated from the H5N1 avian flu virus. June 11, in Hong Kong Fanling markets, Ap ?Chau Market and Tuen Mun and caring markets in environmental samples detected the H5N1 avian flu virus. According to the Hong Kong SAR Government departments informed of the bird flu virus information analysis, the Hong Kong side detection of the H5N1 avian flu virus this year in Hong Kong from the virus in wild birds highly homologous, there was no great variation.
China and some countries and regions on bird flu prevention and control to take immune-based comprehensive prevention and control measures. The avian flu virus mutates rapidly, if the vaccine does not match the types of drugs, may reduce the protection force, there will be poultry still infected after immunization, detoxification problems. The National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory (this year were certified for the World Organization for Animal Health Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory) timely monitoring of the avian flu virus mutates dynamic, and accordingly developed a variety of the H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. Currently, the southern provinces of the mainland using a third generation of bird flu vaccine, the South pandemic strain of avian flu virus and other mainland bird flu virus strains are very good protection. A large number of experimental data show that, by regulating the immune not infected poultry, not detoxification. At present, the mainland has not the highly pathogenic bird flu epidemic.
Reporter: Hong Kong's live poultry markets in environmental samples detected the avian flu virus, the Ministry of Agriculture has taken measures ?
Jia Youling: Hong Kong SAR authorities received a briefing after the timely deployment of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture veterinary departments to do a good job in monitoring. This year, Guangdong Province, a total of monitoring poultry serum samples 58,600 copies, the rate of qualified immunity provisions of international standards; monitoring pathogens in the 18,960 samples, found no positive samples. The Guangzhou City in 2363 to monitor pathogen samples, Shenzhen City in 1761 to monitor pathogen samples, were negative. According to local veterinary departments to understand, the supply of live poultry farms in Hong Kong found no abnormal conditions, all the poultry supply in Hong Kong are qualified by the quarantine. :tiphat: http://209.85.171.104/translate_c?h...&q=china+earthquake%2Bbird+flu&sl=en&tl=zh-TW

 

[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Yuhushu may assist the chicken farmer to kill the chicken
2008-06-14 09:14

[on.cc special news]Yuhushu assistant bureau chief Xue Hanzong indicated at the broadcasting station program, because the Hong Kong has the downtown chicken only to examine the bird flu, therefore the Hong Kong 50 farms may not sell the chicken now, involves altogether the approximately 1,500,000 live chickens; He acknowledged that only grows up along with the chicken, estimated the chicken house in 10 long time will become crowds, appealed will have the need chicken farmer to seek help to Yuhushu, the officers will consider that according to 01 year procedure, will assist chicken farmer humanity deconstruction chicken of age, and to receive affects the chicken farmer to make the compensation, but the details need to discuss again with the field. Shihuanshu Vice Superintendent Liu Yanjiu indicated that understood the live chicken retail sales field to compensates the aspect the request, but because involves the public funds, hoped that the field provides the objective digit again, supports increases the compensation volume the principle according to supply the government to refer.:tiphat:
http://svsurl.systransoft.com/?t=ou...sk=11d1def534ea1be0-4f350fbc-11a78a63429-7a7e

 

[Commonground]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Dr Chow: chicken overnight or without compensation

2008-06-14
(Xinhua see the) bird flu panic, the Government proposed to upgrade epidemic prevention measures, the Secretary for Health and Food York Chow stressed that the industry must accept the live chicken markets do not stay overnight, to ensure that the market security, As soon as possible to resume the supply of live chickens in Hong Kong. He said that "chickens-day" approach will affect the poultry industry revenue, the authorities will study whether to offer compensation. The bird flu the cause of the incident, he believed that the smuggling of chicken is the possibility of higher vaccine failure, the avian flu virus is unlikely to change.

Events reflect the lack of retail vaccination
"The industry can do, as soon as possible a live chicken savages , it will continue to dumping." Dr Chow said the bird flu incident, reflecting the retail level of lack of vaccination, to the trade of live chickens to markets do not stay overnight measures . He said that the practice will affect the poultry industry revenue, will be considered compensation, but since public money is involved, be reasonable. For chicken traders asked the Government to re-introduce voluntary retirement licensing scheme, he said the Government would consider.
He said there are three or four times last year, the Customs anti-smuggling of chicken, also successfully prosecuted, and the AFCD will step up inspections in the suburbs, to see Hong Kong has no illegal farms.
As to the timetable for the implementation of central slaughtering, Dr Chow said, the Administration has conducted site selection and environmental assessment, the next stage is tender and design, is expected to 2011-2012 to implement. He said that most people can reduce the chicken to separate the risk of avian influenza, the protection of public safety.

Zhou: The epidemic does not affect the equestrian events
For the equestrian events will be held in Hong Kong early August, was asked whether it will be bird flu affected. Dr Chow said there is no evidence that bird flu will be transmitted to horses who, while Hong Kong has found bird flu in chickens that Hong Kong has a good monitoring system, so that Hong Kong to participate in the Olympic athletes are safe.

Dr Chow said, the Centre for Health Protection Hotline has received a total of 80 people on bird flu queries, it was not received the report of infection, the authorities closely monitor the health of poultry workers, and to give Tamiflu vaccine or treatment, and the general The incubation period for avian influenza 5-7, the authorities will monitor the 14 days to ensure safety.

http://translate.google.com/transla....htm&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sl=zh-CN&sl=es&tl=en&tl=en

 

[Commonground]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

AFCD to help chicken farmers humanely destroyed chickens (Hong Kong Wen)
2008-06-14 (15:08)


The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said that with the growth of chickens, local chicken farms within a short-term overcrowding; when necessary, the department will assist the humane destruction of chickens.

Deputy Director of AFCD Assistant Director Liu Shanpeng and Xue Han cases, in view of the 21-day moratorium on the sale of live chickens, and local chicken farms grow up, the next more than 10 days, possible overcrowding, need some chicken slaughter Only. There are now 50 farms, a total of about 1.5 million chickens.

Xue Han cases that the Department will make reference to the practice in 2001 to help chicken farmers age chickens humanely destroyed and given to the affected chicken farmers to pay compensation; poultry industry have already made demands on the department would discuss with the industry .

He said, the avian flu rapid test has been used for many years, but the virus is truly recognized the need for embryonic virus propagated eggs, takes several days.

http://translate.google.com/transla....asp&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sl=zh-CN&sl=es&tl=en&tl=en

 

[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Hong Kong Faces Most Severe Avian Flu Threat Since 1997

<TABLE class=author width="100%" itxtvisited="1"><TBODY itxtvisited="1"><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD align=left itxtvisited="1">By Lin Yi
Epoch Times Staff
</TD><TD align=right itxtvisited="1">Jun 13, 2008</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

H5N1 Avian Flu Virus Found in Three feces samples in Hong Kong. (The Epoch Times)





HONG KONG?The Hong Kong government confirmed on June 11 that three feces samples across the city were found with H5N1 Avian Flu virus. According to epidemiologists, this year Hong Kong faces the greatest avian flu threat since its return to China in 1997.
Fishery, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Protection Agency, Food and Environmental Health Department, Hong Kong Customs, and Health Protection Center hosted a joint press conference yesterday, announcing that besides street markets in Kowloon, H5N1 avian flu virus was also found in two markets in New Territories, and one market on Hong Kong Island. The government ordered that all chickens sold at retail stores and street vendors be killed, with the exception of live chickens at chicken farms.
Dr. York Chow, Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food of Hong Kong, said last week that if more feces samples with H5N1 virus were found, the government would destroy all chickens in Hong Kong.
Ms. Yim Lau, Deputy Director of Food and Environmental Health, announced orders to widely kill chickens yesterday, including chickens at 269 live fowl vendors in 64 public markets and 209 grocery stores with live fowls. As of two days ago, there were 3,500 live chickens on the market. By 9 p.m. yesterday, 1,500 had already been killed.
The Hong Kong government said that they collected 63 feces samples on June 7, including the four contaminated samples. At that time, there were over 100,000 chickens on the market. Even without new chickens coming to the market, at least 90,000 chickens had already been sold.
Dr. PL Ho from the Center of Infection at Hong Kong University, said, "We used to find the avian flu virus in dead chickens. This time there was no dead chicken, and all samples were found in feces of live chickens. This is very unusual."
He said, "The residents need to understand that the current threat is quite high. We need to hasten the speed of centralized killing of chickens. We need to make sure that residents don't contact contaminated chicken and become ill."
Professor Yuen Kwok-yung from the Department of Microbiology at Hong Kong University said that since 2004, Hong Kong had not found H5N1 avian flu virus in street markets. The recent discovery of the virus shows that the government should pay closer attention to the monitoring process. Hong Kong Customs said that after an investigation, they don't believe that the H5N1 virus came through smuggled chickens. No virus was found in chicken farms in Hong Kong, either. It is most likely that the virus came through imported chicken from Mainland China. :tiphat: http://en.epochtimes.com/news/8-6-13/71814.html

 

[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=title align=middle>HK fowl may be culled daily <HR width="100%" color=#000000 noShade SIZE=1></TD><TR><TR><TD align=middle> 2008??06??13?? 08:26 Shenzhen Daily </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bt_content>



SELLERS of live chicken in Hong Kong might be required to slaughter every bird not sold at the end of each day in a bid to stamp out avian flu.

Secretary for Food and Health York Chow Yat-ngok on Thursday said the Hong Kong government was discussing the possibility of ensuring no stock spent the night in poultry stalls. This might be necessary to stop the future spread of avian flu in Hong Kong, he said.

Authorities in Macao and Shenzhen have already implemented regulations which stop live poultry being kept overnight.

Chow said the proposal would mean changes to licensing requirements in Hong Kong ? particularly at the retail level.

The government is examining ways to contain future outbreaks of avian influenza after the potentially fatal H5N1 virus was recently discovered in several wet markets in different parts of the territory.

This has prompted Hong Kong authorities to cull 3,500 chickens from 260 stalls. All 64 wet markets in the territory were also shut and chicken products at 209 fresh provision shops have been seized.

A 21-day ban on imports of fresh mainland chickens and birds to the central Cheung Sha Wan wholesale market, imposed Saturday, might be further extended.

On Thursday, Chow said officials were now concentrating their attention on the supply chain of the chicken market ? especially at the retail level.

Health authorities will have discussions with the industry about introducing a ban on keeping live chickens at their stalls overnight as a way of limiting the risk of infections.

Chow said health authorities were also examining whether chicken traders had earlier neglected to report cases of birds becoming sick. The health secretary said tests eliminated possible mutation of the virus.(SD-Agencies) :tiphat: http://paper.sznews.com/szdaily/20080613/ca2898677.htm
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[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=10 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>"Chickens-day" threat to stop selling the industry

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http://www.wenweipo.com [2008-06-14]​

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放大圖片​

Larger Image

■卓永興強調，當局無意扼殺業界的經營渠道，但「活雞日日清」是大勢所趨，希望業界接納。​

■ Mr Cheuk stressed that the Administration had no intention to stifle the industry's business channels, but the "day-of live chickens" is a general trend that the industry accepted.

本報記者梁祖彝攝​

Zu Yi Liang this reporter perturbation

【本報訊】(記者聶曉輝) 政府昨日與10多名家禽零售業界代表開會，商討不實行「活雞日日清」的可行性及銷毀雞隻賠償問題，雙方並未達成共識。​

[-] (Nie Xiaohui) yesterday and more than 10 poultry industry representatives met to discuss the non-implementation of "live chickens every day-" the feasibility of and compensation for the destruction of chickens, the two sides did not reach a consensus.

港九新界家禽批發零售商會主席黃偉泉會後表示，「活雞日日清」的安排扼殺業界，如果政府堅持或會停止售賣活雞，令「全港市民無雞食」。​

Hong Kong Poultry Wholesalers and Retailers Association Chairman Huang Weiquan said after the meeting, "the live chicken every day-" arrangement stifle the industry, if the Government insists, or will stop selling live chickens, "the people of Hong Kong with fresh chicken."

食環署署長卓永興強調，「活雞日日清」是「大勢所趨」，亦是預防禽流感及杜絕走私雞的最有效辦法，要求業界接納。​

The Director Mr Cheuk stressed that the "day-of live chickens" is "the trend of the times", is also the prevention of avian flu and prevent smuggling of chicken the most effective means for the industry to accept.

至於賠償方面，有雞販聲稱如果交還牌照要政府賠償100萬元，結果遭市民批評「開天殺價」。​

As for compensation, chicken traders claimed that if the surrender of licence to 1 million yuan compensation from the Government, public criticism by the results of "open days bargain."

家禽業代表昨午與食環署開會約2小時，業界表明不接受禁止活雞在街市過夜的做法。​

Poultry industry representatives met yesterday afternoon with the department about two hours, the industry that does not accept the prohibition of live chickens in markets overnight practice.

黃偉泉指，「 日日清」的做法會令業界面對很大經營困難，因為香港跟澳門的情況不同，澳門可容許兩次性入雞，香港卻不能，不能相提並論。​

Huang Weiquan means, "day-" the practice of the industry will face great difficulties operating, because Hong Kong and Macao is different, Macao will allow two of the chickens, Hong Kong can not, can not be compared.

殺雞每隻求賠60元當局需研究​

Chicken slaughtering each pay 60 yuan just to the authorities to study

黃偉泉又稱，業界已作出讓步，包括建議把現時每月1.5天的街市清潔日增至2天，希望當局認真考慮相關建議。​

Huang Weiquan added that the industry has to make concessions, including proposed to the current 1.5 days per month on the market to clean two days and hope that the Administration to seriously consider the recommendations.

他說：「如果政府一意孤行，強制執行『活雞日日清』措施，業界不排除罷賣。」業界又指出，現時冰鮮雞到達雞檔前，已過衛生檢疫，當局無理由封鎖銷售渠道，促請當局解除禁賣令。​

He said: "If the Government insists on the enforcement of 'chickens' day-measures, the industry did not rule out strike sell." Industry also pointed out that the existing chilled chickens at poultry stalls, have passed quarantine, no reason to block sales channels , Urge the authorities to lift the ban land sales.

業界讓步街市清潔日增至2天​

Market Day trade concessions to two days

食環署署長卓永興表示，「活雞日日清」方案是「大勢所趨」，否則難以完全杜絕禽流感及走私雞。​

The Director Mr Cheuk said that "chickens-day" programme is "the trend of the times", otherwise difficult to completely eradicate bird flu and smuggling of chicken.

他強調，當局無意扼殺業界的經營渠道，但政府卻有責任保障市民健康。​

He stressed that the Administration had no intention to stifle the industry's business channels, but the Government has the responsibility to protect public health.

他又指出，街市清潔日由1.5天增至2天只是修補政策，成效不大。​

He also pointed out that the markets clean, from 1.5 days to repair the policy is only two days, without much success.

對於雞販提出，要求殺雞每隻賠償60元，向街市雞檔及新鮮糧食店分別提供4萬元及8萬元特惠金，當局則需時研究。​

The chicken traders raised to 60 yuan compensation for each chicken slaughter, to market poultry stalls and fresh provision shops provide 40,000 yuan and 80,000 yuan ex-gratia payment, the authorities would take on.

雙方會在21天內再行開會。​

The two sides will again within 21 days of the meeting.

雞販要求百萬交牌被批開天殺價​

Chicken traders pay millions of requests being granted a licence bargain days

雞販蕭先生昨日致電電台「烽煙」節目表示，如實行中央屠宰，生意將遠遠不及超級市場，寧願把牌照交回，但要求政府賠償100萬元。​

Xiao Xiansheng chicken traders on the radio yesterday, "烽烟" programme said that if the implementation of central slaughtering will be far less than the supermarket business, the licence would prefer to return, but demanded compensation from the Government 1 million.

他說：「常常殺雞的話，根本無得做，從前一天可賣近80隻雞，收入逾千元，如今一天可能只賣到十多隻。」​

He said: "The slaughter of chickens is often the case, simply do not have, the day before to sell nearly 80 chickens, revenue more than 1,000 yuan, now may only sell to more than one day only."

不過，市民蔡太卻認為，雞販對賠償方案開天殺價。​

However, the public Cai too believes that a compensation package for chicken traders to bargain days.

她認為當局只賠償一半雞價，雞販亦「有賺」，雞販只顧自己利益，對納稅人不公平。​

She believes that only half the compensation price of chicken, chicken traders also "earn", chicken traders only their own interests, not fair to the taxpayers.

當運輸的鄧先生指出，若街市存雞過夜，會生異味，並不贊成。​

When the transport of Mr. Deng pointed out that if the markets of the chicken overnight, Health and smell, do not agree.

他認為，若回收所有牌照，對業界影響不大，因為仍有冰鮮雞可買。​

He believes that if the recovery of all licences, to little effect on the industry, because there are still chilled chickens can be bought. :tiphat: http://209.85.171.104/translate_c?h...aper.wenweipo.com/2008/06/14/HK0806140021.htm
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Hong Kong suspected bird flu in chickens in local bills
Chinese Culture Network <!---time--->

2008-6-12 11:49:20​

<!--关键字 b-->
<!--关键字 e-->
<!--主体内容 b--> Sham Shui Po On Road - Hong Kong chicken stalls in three markets, reported over the weekend "at a routine swab samples found the H5N1 avian flu virus." According to today's "Wen Wei Po" newspaper: "bird flu chicken," the source is still a mystery, chicken traders that made the "bird flu chicken" is likely to be infected in Hong Kong - the original, the ventilation system in markets the last 10 Days suspected of failure, inadequate ventilation to the market, coupled with a number of homes near Manado and other birds hovering magpies, magpie Paixia a lot of feces, the outbreak of the avian epidemic to increase, at the same time, a group of no bird flu antibody The so-called "sentinel chickens" have been shipped to the market to sell, easy to make magpie birds, chickens cross-infection.
Hong Kong Poultry Wholesalers Association for the view that the fowl epidemic reproduction, in addition might be "smuggling of chicken" reasons, may also be local farms in Hong Kong "sentinel chickens" making the disaster. It is learnt that the government asked the local chicken farmers to raise chickens, to each batch of "chicken vaccine" Add to 60 not vaccinated, "sentinel chickens", for monitoring the event of bird flu, "sentinel chickens" will take the lead in Zhao, equivalent sounded the alarm.However, if the "sentinel chickens" grow into healthy, will be mixed in the "chicken vaccine," transported to the market with the sale, if the adverse environment when stored, no antibodies against these "sentinel chickens" in the bills will be. :tiphat: http://209.85.171.104/translate_c?h...E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF2008&sl=en&tl=zh-CN&start=30

 

[Commonground]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Strengthening bird flu vaccination exercise capacity Tzu Chi Hospital

[大纪元June 14 (CNA reporter Liu Jiatai Hualien County on the 14th) in Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital today H5N1 influenza patients Process exercise, in addition to training and support contact information processes, and to strengthen Prevention and treatment of influenza-related health care professionals familiar with the mechanisms and handling capacity of influenza patients, the Tzu-Chi said that the international community so far this year, bird flu has been informed as many as 438 cases, in order to prevent the spread of the epidemic to expand, through the exercise must strengthen epidemic prevention and Patient capacity.

Tzu Chi Hospital said that from last held H5N1 influenza patients and processes have been transferred to drill nearly three years, as the global spread of the H5N1 influenza epidemic, close to Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and other areas of Taiwan should be more strict vigilance In particular Hong Kong on June 8 confirmed cases of H5N1 influenza virus, Taiwan must strengthen epidemic prevention and quarantine drill work.

Tzu Chi pointed out that according to the information published by the World Health Organization, from 2003 until the year ended February 5, a total of 14 States informed the determination of the number of 359 cases of infection, of which 226 cases of death. The Department of Health for Disease Control released the latest major international epidemic information also showed that this year's global total of 19 States about 438 bird flu epidemic, in February three people in Indonesia have died of bird flu.

Tzu Chi Hospital today held specifically H5N1 influenza patients Process exercise, the invitation of Commander of the Eastern medical network Jen-Jyh Lee, Deputy Commander Miao Weijie, the sixth-CDC Secretary Li Yongsheng, and Hualien County Health Bureau, the Department of Tachibana Lin Hospital, Mennonite Hospital, Fung Lin Rongmin Hospital, Yuli Tzu Chi Hospital, and other units sent to watch the scene.

Today's exercise in addition to communications links and support processes, the Tzu Chi Hospital and start the H5N1 influenza prevention mechanisms, emergency exercise to patients, the disease screening by nurses station asked the symptoms, travel history and history of contact with animals, found that when patients A cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea and other symptoms, immediately make arrangements for patients to enter negative pressure isolation zone observation, communications and flu-related inspection team.

As the exercise evaluation officer for the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital Lih-Shinn Wang, vice president of medical institutions and personnel to watch for the participating personnel highly skilled affirmative action, Tzu Chi said that only the Wanquan prepared to reduce disasters and epidemic The time of the injury.

6/14/2008 6:42:45 PM
http://translate.google.com/transla....htm&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sl=zh-CN&sl=es&tl=en&tl=en

 

[Shiloh]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Source: http://paper.wenweipo.com/2008/06/15/HK0806150023.htm

Google translation:
On the avian alarm and disturbance Yuen Kwok-yung

【本報訊】禽流感陰霾揮之不去，不過香港大學醫學院微生物學系主任袁國勇表示，本港農場的雞並無出現異常，因此目前大規模爆發禽流感的風險很低，但長遠要實施中央屠宰減低風險。 [-] Lingering shadow of bird flu, but Hong Kong University School of Medicine Department of Microbiology, Yuen Kwok-yung said that Hong Kong's chicken farms have no abnormality, so the current large-scale outbreak of avian flu risk is very low, but in the long run to The implementation of central slaughtering reduce risk. 他又透露，早前曾就禽流感問題發表意見，卻因此受到滋擾，他要報警處理；但他並無透露受滋擾詳情。 He also disclosed that earlier on the problem of avian influenza to express their views, but so are nuisance, he has to deal with the police, but he did not disclose details of the nuisance.

何柏良：大規模爆疫風險低 He Boliang: Low risk of large-scale explosive epidemic

而港大感染及傳染病中心總監何柏良表示，本港預防禽流感爆發的改革遲緩，防控措施在運作上有好多漏洞，現時禽流感的傳染風險，是自97年以來最嚴重，一旦感染禽流感，死亡率可高達50%至60%，幸而暫未有人受感染。 And the University of Hong Kong infection and infectious disease centre director Dr Boliang that the local outbreak of avian influenza slow reform, prevention and control measures in the operation of a lot of loopholes in the current bird flu infection risk, since 97 is the most serious, once the infection Avian influenza, the mortality rate can be as high as 50-60 percent, Fortunately, it was yet to be infected.

他直斥，走私雞是今次禽流感的源頭，本港64個活家禽街市則是「計時炸彈」，而短期最有效的措施，是實施街市不留活雞過夜措施，可令病毒無法在街市累積，不過長遠來說，他認為中央屠宰事在必行，「一定要落實革命性轉變，堵塞禽流感病毒。」他說，第三個選擇，則是在中央屠宰實施前，只出售冰鮮雞，不賣活雞。 He Zhi Chi, smuggling of chicken is the source of the avian flu, Hong Kong 64 live poultry markets are "time bomb" and the most effective short-term measures, the implementation of the live chicken markets do not stay overnight, will enable the virus can not be accumulated in the markets But the long run, he considered that central slaughtering things inevitable, "must implement revolutionary changes to plug the avian flu virus." He said that the third option, it is in the implementation of central slaughtering, only to sell chilled chickens , Do not sell live chickens.

立法會食物安全及環境衛生事務委員會副主席李華明表示，他個人支持實行中央屠宰，希望政府在恢復出售活雞前，徹底解決禽流感爆發問題。 Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene Committee Vice-Chairman Fred LI said that he personally support the implementation of central slaughtering, in the hope that the Government will resume the sale of live chickens before the outbreak of avian flu completely solve the problem. 　他認為，即使再增多一天街市清潔日，也無助針對核心問題。 In his view, even more day to clean the market, nor will it help address the core issue.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Source: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=67235&sid=19358896&con_type=1

Scientists feel heat after chickens ban
Carol Chung

Monday, June 16, 2008
The government is using scientists as scapegoats to advocate the unpopular ban on keeping live chickens overnight, vendors claim.

"How can the people in the Food and Health Bureau right away adopt their suggestion ...don't they need at least a week to make the decision?" asked Hong Kong Poultry Wholesalers' and Retailers' Association chairman Steven Wong Wai-chuen.

He said the government should not shrug off the responsibility of stopping the chicken smuggling problem.

The suggestion by top Hong Kong University microbiologists Yuen Kwok-yung and Ho Pak- leung to ban vendors from keeping live chickens overnight was immediately backed by the government as a transitional measure before starting a central slaughtering system in 2011, at the earliest.

The call for a ban came after more than 5,000 chickens were culled on Wednesday after some were found infected with the deadly H5N1 virus.

The microbiologists' proposal resulted in Yuen's office receiving a threatening call. Yuen, who declined to say who received the call, said resistance against the proposal was to be expected.

Ho refused to comment.

Wong said he did not hear of and does not condone such illegal behavior. The industry was angry at the microbiologists in the past for warning the public of virus mutation, making consumers lose confidence in eating chicken.

Both Yuen and Ho received threats to their personal safety in 2003 after proposing the government change the market cleanup practice from monthly to semi-monthly. The Food and Health Bureau said Hong Kong is a city that upholds the rule of law, and police will take appropriate measures if they receive any report of illegal behavior.

Wong criticized the overnight ban as bad for business.

"It's hard to anticipate the day's demand - most people come to buy in the evening or just before closing," he said at the City Forum yesterday.

"If chickens must be slaughtered by the end of the day, prices will be forced down in the evening."

Wong added the practice carried out in Macau would not work in Hong Kong.

"Market conditions are different there. Macau only has some 50 stalls with less than 10,000 chickens traded daily. We have over 400 stalls selling 40,000 chickens a day," he said.

Wong said the problem of illegally imported chickens is caused by the quota system, which was imposed after the 1997 bird flu outbreak that killed six people in Hong Kong.

"The system scaled down the supply of fresh chicken which cannot meet market needs. Some may resort to smuggling, especially during festival days," he said.

Chicken trader Lau Chung-sun hopes the government will allow the sale of chilled chickens during the 21-day ban on fresh chicken.

Infectious disease expert Lo Wing-lok said the government should tighten the control of mainland- produced chickens by not allowing any into Hong Kong when one H5N1 case is found. He also called for more surveillance checks on the markets.

 

[Treyfish]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

The poultry industry stand firm cross-licensing dispersal
2008-06-17 <!--START:NEWSTIME--><!--END:NEWSTIME-->
<SCRIPT language=javascript src="/js/tooltip/wz_tooltip.js"></SCRIPT>

【東方日報專訊】港府及家禽業均立場企硬，食物及生局局長周一嶽昨堅持若要解除禁雞令，恢復活雞銷售，雞檔必須實施雞不過夜的「日日清」方案，業界認為此舉扼殺整個行業，決定選擇終極方案，寧願「一鋪清」，領取一筆過賠償永久結業離場，意味港人告別吃鮮雞的日子。​

[Oriental Daily News - the Hong Kong Government and the poultry industry both stand firm stand, food and  the Secretary for Health York Chow yesterday to uphold the lifting of the ban chicken and resume sales of live chickens, chicken stalls must be implemented chicken-day "day - "Programme, the industry that this stifle the whole industry, decided to choose the ultimate programme, but would rather" one-shop ", a one-off compensation for the permanent closure of the dispersal, means that Hong Kong people bid farewell to the days of eating fresh chicken.

農場、批發及零售商會明日舉行聯席會議計算賠償總額後向政府爭取，期望能趕在本立法會年度通過賠償撥款，否則不排除在奧運馬術舉行期間有抗議行動。​

Farms, wholesalers and retailers will tomorrow hold a joint meeting of the calculation of compensation to the Government after the fight, expected to rush in the Legislative Council passed the annual compensation funds, not otherwise excluded from the Olympic equestrian events held during the protest action.

立法會食物安全及環境生事務委員會昨就禽流感事件特別會議，近三百名業界人士手持橫額及標語，在立法會門外高叫口號抗議日日清政策，食局局長周一嶽接過請願信後，在勁噓聲下進場。​

Legislative Council food safety and environmental  Panel on Health Services on the last special session of the avian flu incident, nearly 300 people carrying banners and the industry slogan, in the Legislative Council shouting slogans protesting outside the day-policy, food  received by the Secretary for Dr Chow Petitions, Jin boos in the approach.

十二個家禽業界與會代表發言時，指摘當局查找禽流感不力，業界成代罪羔羊，寧取一次過獲賠償結業。​

12 poultry industry delegates to speak, accuse the authorities find bird flu ineffective, the industry into a scapegoat, prefer the one-off compensation for the closure.

防疫馬虎「政府很悲哀」​

Immunization perfunctory "very sad"

港九新界家禽批發零售商會主席黃偉泉指，政府對雞檔日日清態度強硬，業界不可能做蝕本生意，在別無選擇情況下，業界決定一次過領取賠償，結業離場。​

Hong Kong Poultry Wholesalers and Retailers Association Chairman Huang Weiquan refers to the chicken stalls in the day-tough attitude, the industry can not do unprofitable business, have no choice in the circumstances, the industry decided once and for compensation, leave the parade.

當局○五年的自願退牌計劃，黃偉泉認為出手太低拒交牌，曾指要十倍賠償才會交牌，昨表示八倍賠償也會接受。​

05 Administration of the voluntary withdrawal licensing scheme, Huang Weiquan that shots too low refusing to pay licensing, has 10 times the compensation will mean pay licensing, yesterday said eight will receive compensation.

他期望賠償問題能在七月底立法會年度結束前有決定，不希望八月奧運馬術期間看到活雞通街走。​

He hoped that the issue of compensation in the Legislative Council at the end of July a decision before the end of the year, do not want to see during the August Olympic equestrian Street go-live chickens.

多名議員均不滿周一嶽沒有做好防疫措施，郭家麒要求當局交代走私雞的傳聞，以及合理賠償業界。​

Members of more than dissatisfaction with Dr Chow did not do a good job in preventative measures, ki asked the Administration to explain the smuggling of chicken hearsay and reasonable compensation to the industry.

黃容根指摘當局至今找不到病毒源頭，本地農場一直無事，當局拒與業界溝通，又不准農場出雞，認為政府很悲哀。​

Wong Yung-kan accuse authorities have not found the source of the virus, local farms have been without incident, the authorities refused to communicate with the industry, not to chicken farms that the Government is very sad.

成代罪羔羊寧提早了斷​

As early as the scapegoat NING Ti-off

方剛指摘周一嶽一直對業界採陰乾政策，把禽流雞再現全賴給業界不合作，同意索性一次過賠償給業界算數。​

Vincent FANG accuse Dr Chow has been on the trade-dry policy, the bird reproduction attributed to the chicken industry uncooperative, even agreed to a one-off compensation to the industry count.

李華明亦指，活雞行業提早了斷，政府全面收購賠償，中央屠宰亦不用考慮。​

Fred LI also means that the live chicken trade off ahead of the general offer of compensation, we should not consider central slaughtering.

張宇人稱，政府庫房水浸，政府處理家禽業界「安樂死」賠償方案，應該可以鬆手一些。​

Yu said, the Treasury flooding, the government's handling of the poultry industry "euthanasia" programme of compensation, should be able to Songshou some.

周一嶽說，雞檔日日清可確保環境生，杜絕禽流感，當局會繼續和業界就有關方案及賠償討論。​

Dr Chow said the chicken stalls in day- can ensure environmental hygiene to prevent avian flu, the authorities will continue to trade on the programme and compensation discussions.

他說，防治禽流感方案必須得到零售業界合作，今次在四個街市雞檔環境樣本驗出禽流感病毒，但事前沒有業界呈報異常情況，難保同類事件日後再發生，既然業界防護能力比預期低，只好增加環保措施及收緊條例。​

He said that bird flu prevention programmes must be the retail industry, the chicken stalls in four markets environmental samples found to have avian influenza virus, but did not advance the industry reported unusual situation, there is no guarantee that similar incidents occur in future, since the industry protection lower than expected But to increase environmental protection measures and to tighten regulations.

至於是否協助本地農場屠宰成雞及作出賠償，本周有決定。​

As to whether local farms to help slaughter a chicken and make compensation, a decision this week. :tiphat: http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=....hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/250/3/1/775044/1.html

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

SFH on avian influenza
June 18 2008, 10.20.00

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session at the Legislative Council Building today (June 18):

Reporter:
Was it a threat posed to Hong Kong by the outbreak in Guangzhou?

Secretary for Food and Health:
At the moment we feel that the threat is not high, because it involves only one duck farm which is actually quite remote from Hong Kong.

Within the radius of 13 kilometres, there is only one poultry farm that is destined for export to Hong Kong.

With the current ban on chickens from the Mainland, this would not affect the current arrangement.

But the date will have to be extended to 21 days after yesterday, so this would affect the exports of that farm to Hong Kong.

What I am saying is with the environmental discovery of H5N1 in Hong Kong and the poultry outbreaks in the Mainland, the threat is always there.

We must be very careful before we allow any live chicken in our markets.

Reporter:
You are focusing on the virus getting out of that farm and the distance around it. But somehow the virus gets into that farm?

Secretary for Food and Health:
First of all, waterfowl like ducks and geese are harbouring the virus, that is, most of them have the virus in their body.

It is well established by scientific fact, but why it actually has an outbreak, whether it is immunity of the ducks that has changed or whether the virus has changed, we need to explore and we do not have that information yet.

Reporter:
Is someone checking ducks to see whether the virus has mutated?

Secretary for Food and Health:
As far as I know, the national laboratory will be doing all the tests to investigate whether there is any change of the virus.

Reporter:
Do you have information on that yet?

Secretary for Food and Health:
I do not think they have actually done the test yet in completion because it takes some time for the genetic sequencing of those tests.

Reporter:
Are you taking any special steps in response to this outbreak?

Secretary for Food and Health:
As you see we are being very careful about our existing policy of market management before we allow any live poultry to be sold again in those markets.

We will be talking with the trade particularly regarding the daily cleansing of the market and do not leave any live chickens overnight.

Reporter:
No new steps?

Secretary for Food and Health:
I think this is one of the important steps we need to come to agreement before we can move on.

Also quite a number of retail representatives told us they might prefer to have an arrangement of terminating the trade but with good compensation and this is of course another area that we will explore.

Reporter:
How concerned should people be about this outbreak?

Secretary for Food and Health:
With the existing surveillance system of Hong Kong and our vigilance, the threat of human being infected by H5N1 is not very high.

But we need to be very careful all the time.

Particularly the last time we detected H5N1 in Hong Kong in our environment was last Wednesday, today is only one week (after).

Avian flu would have an incubation period of up to seven days, we've just reached the first cycle.

If we do not find any more human cases by the end of next Wednesday, we will be quite confident that there is no human spread this time.

But we are more worried about the subsequent arrangement, whether the existing chickens in the farms and those coming into the market will pose additional threat.

If that is the case, I think we have to have more stringent measures for the markets so that we can safeguard both the poultry workers as well as the public.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/rss/general_en.xml
------

 

[Shiloh]

Re: _|Hong Kong PRC SAR: H5N1 IN CHICKEN|_

Source: http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/080618/html/080618en05005.htm

June 18, 2008
Avian flu
*
Human bird-flu threat low: Dr York Chow
*

The risk of human cases of avian influenza in Hong Kong is low thanks to the city's safeguards against the disease. This was the message from Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow today in response to the bird flu outbreak at a Guangzhou duck farm.

He said the outbreak involves only one farm which is far from Hong Kong. However, as there is a poultry farm supplying Hong Kong within 13km of the outbreak, exports from the facility were suspended for three weeks yesterday.

Dr Chow said Hong Kong's surveillance system and vigilance greatly hinders the spread of bird flu to humans, so the risk posed to the city by the Guangdong outbreak is low.

Mainland authorities are examining whether there has been any changes to the virus or the ducks' immunity.

"If we do not find any human cases by the end of next Wednesday we will be quite confident there is no human spread," Dr Chow said.

"We are more worried about the subsequent arrangement, whether the existing chickens in the farms and those coming into the market will pose a threat. If that is the case I think we have to have more stringent measures for the markets so we can safeguard poultry workers as well as the public."

He said discussions with the trade about daily cleaning and culling at Hong Kong's markets are ongoing, adding retailers' calls for compensation for ceasing business will be studied.