ENG-1969 — Page 130

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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under control by vaccination. Newcastle disease in poultry has been controlled by the use of the Ranikhet and intra-nasal-drop vaccines. Rinderpest vaccine continues to be given to cattle. Investigations to establish the incidence of intercurrent diseases in both pigs and poultry are being undertaken at the Veterinary Laboratory.

Legislation requires all imported dogs and cats to be quarantined for six months except those from scheduled countries (UK, Australia and New Zealand) to prevent the introduction of rabies in the Colony. Stray dogs are caught and detained for observation and, if unclaimed, destroyed in pursuance of the rabies control policy.

FORESTRY

The Government's Forestry policy is mainly concerned with the protection and improvement of the vegetation for soil and water conservation purposes and with preservation of the natural amenities.

The area of Crown plantations totals 13,134 acres located largely within the Shing Mun, Tai Lam, Kowloon, Tai Po Kau and Shek Pik water catchment areas. During 1968-9 the plantations were extended by 346 acres. In addition, 137 acres of replanting was done in areas affected by fire in previous years and 18 acres of hardwood conversion underplanting was carried out within pine plantations.

During the dry winter months from mid-September through to May hill fires present a very serious threat to the plantations. The 1968-9 dry season was comparatively mild. Forestry fire crews were called out to 216 fires but most of these were small grass fires. Damage to plantations was restricted to approximately 50 acres compared with 335 acres in 1967-8.

FISHERIES

Marine fish are one of Hong Kong's main primary products, and in 1968-9 total landings amounted to 1,182,038 piculs (71,488 metric tons) valued at $88,566,420. The Government's aim is to foster the development of the fishing industry, to increase supplies of fish and to improve the economic status of the fishermen.