The Food & Health Bureau has formed two groups to investigate the Yuen Long avian influenza outbreak and help the Government formulate more effective measures against the virus.

The investigation group on epidemiological study will examine biosecurity at the farm and identify the source of infection.

The investigation group on vaccine study will conduct research and tests on the efficacy of the existing H5N2 vaccine. The group will also study the effectiveness and quality of alternative vaccines to see if they are applicable to the situation in Hong Kong. The information gathered will help the Government choose the most suitable vaccine.

Group membership

The two groups comprised of representatives from the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department, the Department of Health, the Centre for Health Protection, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, the Centre for Food Safety, and the Customs & Excise Department.

Professor Yuen Kwok-yung and Dr Lo King-shun from the University of Hong Kong, and an expert from the Ministry of Agriculture are also invited to join the groups.

Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow hoped a preliminary report can be completed in two to three weeks by the investigation group on epidemiological study and a full report can be completed in two months.

The investigation group on vaccine study will submit a preliminary report in two to three months, and the full report will be submitted within a year.