January 29, 2004

Hong Kong To Continue Chicken Imports From Guangdong

The Hong Kong government will still allow poultry imports from China's Guangdong province as bird flu has not spread to that area, HK's deputy secretary for health, welfare and food, Eddy Chan, said Wednesday.

At a press conference, Chan said that no signs of abnormality have been detected in mainland poultry imports so far and the Hong Kong government has already stepped up quarantine and random checks.

The notification mechanism of poultry diseases between Hong Kong and the mainland has been enhanced, he added.

He said that from January 15, all chickens from the mainland will be vaccinated against the disease. As all poultry is from approved farms, a higher degree of quality can be maintained.

"However, we must remain vigilant," he said.

According to Chan, the government departments will further enhance preventive measures. And he urged poultry stall operators to comply with hygiene requirements to guard against avian flu.