August 12, 2013

Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man said in Beijing today that stringent measures are in place to prevent the spread of avian influenza to Hong Kong.
 
He spoke to the media after meeting Mainland officials, including the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Commissioner Prof Wang Guoqiang, to discuss strengthening cooperation on Chinese medicine.
 
On the recent human case of avian influenza (H7N9) in Guangdong involving a poultry worker, Dr Ko said there is strict monitoring and preventive measures to prevent affected poultry from entering Hong Kong.
 
Rapid tests for the bird flu viruses are conducted at Mainland poultry farms before their poultry can be sent to Hong Kong, and again when the birds arrive at the Man Kam To control point. They are held at the Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market in Cheung Sha Wan while awaiting test results.
 
The poultry can be sold only if results are satisfactory. Cleaning days are also held to maintain hygiene at the retail outlets and markets.  
     
Dr Ko added that while it is not possible to prevent people who were infected but not showing symptoms from entering Hong Kong, frontline doctors have been alerted to raise awareness and carry out rapid tests and isolation on suspected cases. 
 
It is important to identify cases quickly to prevent the disease's spread, he said.
 
Earlier today, Dr Ko called on the National Health & Family Planning Commission to discuss matters of concern including Hong Kong's restrictions on powdered formula exports. He said Mainland authorities understand and respect the policy that was introduced amid the problem of demand outweighing supply.
 
The Government will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland and update them of any progress in the matter, he added.