November 3, 2005

HK ups bio-security for duck farms

Hong Kong has increased its bio-security measures for local duck farms by insisting that farms bird-proof their facilities.

A Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spokesman said on Nov 2 that the new requirements were part of the licensing conditions for the three existing duck farms in the northern part of the New Territories.

To prevent wild bird droppings from contacting the stock, farmers will have to keep their stock in duck sheds with a solid roof and bird-proof facilities. The AFCD will inspect the duck farms regularly to ensure that conditions are met.

Farmers are also required to report any abnormal deaths among their stock to the AFCD within 24 hours and to obtain permission before disposing of dead birds.

The department had earlier approved two earlier applications from duck farmers who volunteered to surrender their licences, for ex-gratia payments totalling HK$370,000 (US$47,436).