Quarantine teams will be formed at immigration checkpoints early next year to enhance interception of smuggled animals, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says.

He told the Legislative Council today the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department thwarted 48 smuggling cases involving 3,000 animals and birds in the past 11 months.

It works with the Customs & Excise Department to inspect inbound passengers and vehicles via X-ray. For sea transport they inspect cargo handling areas and smuggling blackspots.

Animal traders must hold a licence and comply with legal conditions like implanting a microchip in dogs and vaccinating animals.