The Government is seeking information from the World Health Organisation about media reports of H5N1 bird flu virus being detected in pigs in Vietnam.

According to the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau, there is not enough evidence to prove that the bird flu virus infects pigs. There is no evidence to suggest that people can catch avian influenza by eating pork.

Pork from Vietnam is subject to import control under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulations. Every consignment of imported pork is accompanied by a health certificate.

Under Hong Kong's livestock-keeping licence conditions, pigs and chickens must not be kept at the same farm. Pig farms and chicken farms have separate waste collection systems to prevent cross-infection.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and the University of Hong Kong have monitored pigs at the slaughterhouse. 

No H5 antibodies in pigs have been found and no H5 viruses have been isolated from cultures of sick or healthy pigs at the slaughterhouse.

Members of the public are advised to cook pork thoroughly before eating it.

The public should also adhere to good personal and food hygiene, and wash hands after handling raw meat.