Hong Kong's inclusion the US Centres for Disease Control & Prevention embargo notice is unwarranted, the Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong says.

The CDC yesterday ordered an immediate ban on the import of all birds from a number of Southeast Asian countries which have reported avian influenza outbreaks. The ban also covers the Mainland, including Hong Kong.

In a letter to CDC Director Dr Julie Gerberding, Dr Yeoh reiterated Hong Kong is a separate customs territory to the Mainland.

"Under One Country Two Systems, we maintain our own stringent control and regulatory regime over the import and export of live animals (including birds), animal products and food items, as guaranteed under our mini-constitution, the Basic Law," he said.

"The measures we have adopted have been effective in averting an H5 avian influenza outbreak in Hong Kong despite the extensive and rapid spread of the disease in the region. In fact, since our imposition of the requirement for all chickens to be vaccinated with the H5 vaccine, we have found no evidence of H5 infection in Hong Kong at all."

Embargo should be lifted

Dr Yeoh urged the CDC to reconsider its embargo notice on Hong Kong and looked forward to its early lifting.

"We understand Hong Kong is vulnerable under the threat of avian influenza. We are committed to putting up more stringent measures to guard against the disease," he said.

Dr Yeoh also updated the CDC Director on the preventive measures that have been taken in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau has written to all consulates and business chambers in Hong Kong to explain the current situation and lobby their support in opposing any bans on Hong Kong exports of poultry and related products.