Precautions and surveillance on wild birds and poultry farms has been enhanced after the recent H5N1 detection, Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau says.

Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department officers today visited Kam Shan Tsuen to monitor wild birds. No dead birds were found.

It has strengthened inspection of pet shops in the Mong Kok Bird Garden and reminded traders to strictly comply with licence conditions as sample collections will be increased.

Strict inspection and quarantine measures imported pet birds are in place, and a special permit must be obtained from the department. Birds have to undergo at least 14 days pre-export quarantine and be tested for the H5 and H7 viruses before shipment. Each consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate.

The Centre for Health Protection is issuing a letter to doctors updating them on the bird flu situation.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has agreed with the live poultry trade to add one more rest day this month for more frequent cleansing of retail markets. Stringent control measures at the boundary on imported poultry will continue.

The Centre for Health Protection will hold a seminar tomorrow featuring local and overseas experts on infectious disease discussing avian flu and the use of anti-viral drugs against the disease. More than 700 healthcare practitioners will attend.