The latest review of the country classifications on the risk of introducing rabies through animal importation is almost completed, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

He told lawmakers the review is conducted in light of changes in the rabies situation in other countries and new developments in scientific measures in controlling rabies.

Noting the risk from different countries varies, Dr Chow said countries or areas are put into one of three groups based on a risk assessment that uses information from many sources. When the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department decides the classification of different countries or areas, the same criteria is adopted.

Under the current classification, Group I includes countries where rabies has been absent for a long time and where neighbouring countries are rabies-free. This group currently includes six countries, all of which are islands such as Australia, the UK and Ireland.

Group II includes countries where rabies is absent, or present at a very low level in wildlife, and control measures such as import control, vaccination and disease surveillance are strictly implemented. There are currently 40 countries/territories in this group, such as France, Spain and Canada.

Group III includes all remaining countries or territories, including Macau and Argentina.

"We have been communicating with the Macau authorities to seek information on matters concerned with rabies there," Dr Chow said, adding the latest review also covers the classification of Macau.