May 8, 2009

Hong Kong has stepped up the screening of live pigs and pork products since the discovery of AH1N1 flu cases in the world, a spokesman for Food and Health Bureau said on Thursday (May 7).

Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have collected more samples from local pig farms and slaughterhouses for testing. All samples were tested negative to the AH1N1 virus.

Besides completing inspections on Hong Kong's 43 pig farms, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has also issued guidelines to pig farmers reminding them to stay vigilant and maintain good environmental and personal hygiene on the farms, such as wearing masks when taking care of pigs and washing hands frequently.

The World Health Organisation has issued a joint statement with the World Organisation for Animal Health, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and World Trade Organisation assuring that properly handled and well-cooked pork and pork products were not a source of infection. There is no evidence that the virus is transmitted by food so far.