Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man says the Government and Mainland authorities are discussing whether to introduce an avian influenza A(H7N9) serological test for imported poultry.
He said the test would be an improvement in risk management, and give a clearer picture of how widespread the virus is among the poultry population. The test itself cannot directly imply that a batch of concerned poultry is infectious, though.
Dr Ko said there are implications for introducing the test which must be dealt with before any such test was implemented.
“How to dispose of a particular batch of imported poultry which is tested positive in serology investigation is a question, and it is something that we really need to have an agreement on beforehand. I believe the Mainland authorities are now considering this aspect,” he said.
