ENG-2014 — Page 208

Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

On 30 December 2014, a number of samples in a consignment of imported live poultry were confirmed positive for H7 Al by PCR test. The wholesale poultry market was closed and some 19,000 birds were culled in accordance with the contingency plan.

The two incidents show that the testing system achieved what it is designed to do: to reduce the risk of poultry infected with Al from entering the retail markets.

Control of Animal Diseases

As Hong Kong's inspection and quarantine authority for animals, the AFCD regulates cross- boundary animal movements to prevent animal diseases from entering the city. The AFCD also assesses the risk of disease in imported animals and animal products on the basis of their species, intended use and the disease status of the place of origin. The AFCD explains Hong Kong's import requirements for animals and animal products to overseas veterinary authorities when necessary.

In 2014, 6,926 permits were issued for animal imports, which included dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, birds, zoo animals and live food animals such as pigs and cattle.

Quarantine Detector Dog Programme

The Quarantine Detector Dog Programme was introduced to help combat illegal importation of animals. The dogs are trained to detect live mammals, birds, reptiles and animal products hidden in luggage or under layers of clothing. These dogs are deployed to various boundary control points including Lok Ma Chau, Shenzhen Bay and the Hong Kong International Airport. In 2014, more than 240,000 travellers, 1,400 vehicles and 32,000 parcels and pieces of luggage were screened.

Animal Management

The AFCD adopts various animal management measures to control animal diseases, regulate the trading of animals, and promote respect and care for animals.

Hong Kong has been rabies-free since the 1980s. In 2014, some 62,000 dogs were licensed and vaccinated against rabies. About 5,100 stray dogs and 1,900 stray cats were brought to the AFCD Animal Management Centres during the year, including some surrendered by their owners. The AFCD runs a re-homing programme for the healthy and well-tempered ones.

All pet shops selling animals must be licensed by the AFCD which inspects these shops regularly to ensure that they do not contravene any of the licence conditions. Pet shops are required to obtain dogs for sale only from approved sources. The AFCD runs a programme to promote respect and care for animals. It uses a broad range of communication tools to drive home the message. In 2014, 42 educational talks and 48 thematic exhibitions, roving exhibitions and carnivals were held to promote responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention.

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