July 10, 2008

Hong Kong has scaled down its bird flu response level from "serious" to "alert", according to the Secretary for Food and Health of Hong Kong York Chow on Wednesday (July 9, 2008).

Since the detection of bird flu on June 7, Hong Kong had raised the response level to "serious". What followed next was a series of preventive measures including a temporary ban on live chicken trading and restrictions on overnight stocking of chickens.

Chicken sales resumed on July 2 and market operations have been going on well with improved hygiene. Recently collected samples from chicken farms, wholesale markets and retail outlets also tested negative for the H5N1 bird flu virus, which led to Hong Kong's decision to scale down the response level.

Chow is urging the public to remain vigilant and pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene to prevent bird flu.