The Mainland has suspended Sichuan meat exports, making Hong Kong's chances of being affected by the Streptococcus suis outbreak slim, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

He told legislators today public health is a key factor in deciding on food import bans, adding Hong Kong has full autonomy to make such decisions. Scientific evidence and international guidelines and practices must be carefully considered before imposing any ban.

Forty per cent of frozen pork from Sichuan is supplied to Hong Kong with the rest for other countries. However, no country has banned imports since the outbreak. He said while Hong Kong's chances of being affected are slim, the Government will monitor the incident and Department of Health staff have been sent to help investigate the outbreak.

Dr Chow said Streptococcus suis is common among pigs, and not a notifiable disease according to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Enhanced measures

Deputy Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Dr Mak Sin-ping said Hong Kong has a risk-assessment based control mechanism for the safety of imported meat, built on international practices and standards.

The department has enhanced liaison with Mainland authorities and inspection of live pigs and frozen meat. As infection is often related to occupational exposure through wounds while handling infected pig carcasses, the trade has been reminded to take precautionary measures. Nine cases have been reported since 1994.

The Ministry of Health said 152 people have been affected in the Sichuan outbreak, with 31 dead and seven recovered.

For tips on handling pork click here. More information on Streptococcus suis is available at www.chp.gov.hk.