The Health, Welfare & Food Bureau urges local pig farmers to spray disinfectant powder on pig carcasses and place them in double layer plastic bags before sending them to animal carcasses collection points. 

They should contact the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department to check the collection time before sending carcasses there so as to avoid carcasses staying in the collection points for too long.

The department will reinforce inspection work at the collection points, arrange prompt removal of pig carcasses and step up enforcement against the illegal disposal or dumping of pig carcasses.

Sichuan outbreak under close watch

The bureau's interdepartmental task force continues to closely monitor the latest development with respect to the Streptococcus suis infection in Sichuan.

At this moment, there is no evidence to suggest that Hong Kong had a risk of outbreak.

Nonetheless, since the information in Sichuan indicated that infection was mainly associated with contact with infected pigs, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and avoid contacting sick or dead pigs, the spokesman said.

Pig farmers should pay special attention to their own health and monitor their pigs' health condition.

If the farmers feel unwell, they should consult their doctor and if the health conditions of the pigs deteriorates, the pig farmers should inform the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department.