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development and scholarships for farmers' children. In 2009, the organisation handled 173 000 tonnes of vegetables valued at $867 million.
The Fish Marketing Organisation is also a statutory body governed by the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides orderly wholesale marketing services at its seven wholesale markets. Revenue comes from commissions from fish sales and from fees charged for the use of the market facilities. Surplus earnings are channelled back to the fisheries industry by way of providing low-interest loans to fishermen, improving market services and facilities and providing training grants and scholarships for the fishermen and their children. During the year, some 52 000 tonnes of marine fish valued at $1.7 billion were sold through the organisation. The organisation continues to develop quality fish products at its processing centre to help promote local products.
Control of Animal Diseases
As Hong Kong's inspection and quarantine authority for animals, the AFCD carries out a number of measures to effectively prevent and control outbreak of animal diseases.
Animal Management
The AFCD adopts various animal management measures to control animal diseases, regulate the selling of animals, and promote respect and care for animals.
Rabies is controlled effectively in Hong Kong, which has been rabies-free since the 1980s. In 2009, some 62 000 dogs were licensed and vaccinated against rabies. About 12 000 dogs and 4 900 cats were brought to the AFCD Animal Management Centres during the year. Most were strays but some were surrendered by their owners. New homes were found for about 650 healthy dogs and 90 healthy cats.
All pet shops selling animals must be licensed by the AFCD which inspects these shops regularly to ensure they do not contravene any of the licence conditions laid down to protect public health and safety as well as the safety, health and welfare of the animals.
The AFCD runs a comprehensive programme for promoting respect and care for animals. It uses a broad range of communication tools to get the message across. These include posters, radio and television announcements, press releases and exhibitions. An exhibition marking Annual World Rabies Day 2009 was held in September. Three other roving exhibitions were held at different venues during the year to promote responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention.
Websites
Food and Health Bureau: www.fhb.gov.hk
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department: www.fehd.gov.hk Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: www.afcd.gov.hk