HK: Long burst of bird flu farm workers were found to be well

2008-12-13 (10:46)

Acting Director of the Center for Health Protection Leung Ting-hung said that the outbreak of the bird flu virus samples to test farms in Yuen Long, is expected to have a week after the preliminary results, while 6 farms confirmed that all health workers. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Assistant Director (Inspection and Quarantine) Dr Thomas Sit believe that the outbreak of bird flu with chicken eggs in the smuggling is unlikely.

Leung Ting-hung, a radio program today that by the Yuen Long farm to collect samples of the virus has been sent to the Government and the Mainland row cases of genetic laboratory to test whether there is a variant of the week is expected after preliminary results. He pointed out that viruses often mutate, depending on the circumstances, to strengthen the vaccine targeted; and stressed that the only contact with the chicken and the public need to remain alert and take protective measures.

6 As for the Yuen Long farm have direct contact with dead chickens workers do not have symptoms, the examination has not confirmed the virus; Cheung Sha Wan wholesale market and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to participate in the chicken slaughter, are already receiving medical observation and all健康.

Dr Sit said that it was considering evidence from many, the investigation into the incident and had to collect chicken farms, such as serum samples for testing for the time being is unknown aspects of the problem. He pointed out that the winter migratory birds, the virus can be spread easily to increase the risk of outbreaks of bird flu.

For the industry refers to the purchase of farms is caused by the smuggling of eggs, Dr Thomas Sit said that the complainant will be to collect information, but pointed out that if the smuggling of eggs, chickens should be killed, but the death is a big "sentinel chickens"; Administration Eggs are also strictly control access, and from time to time for inspections, chicken farmers believe the law will not take risks.

There is ongoing review of the existing vaccine is effective against bird flu, and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in 21 days a ban on chicken farms, a thorough examination of all farms; such as chicken farmers still hope to hand over the license may be made to the authorities.