ENG-2015 — Page 200

Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

market stalls after business hours daily, followed by further thorough cleaning and disinfection by FEHD contractors; maintaining the cleanliness of market stalls' ventilation systems; and conducting regular inspections, washing and disinfection of public places where wild birds gather and taking stringent enforcement action against the feeding of wild birds in public places.

The CFS collects swab samples from 30 poultry in each consignment of live poultry imported from the Mainland to conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for influenza A, covering both H5 and H7 Al. In 2015, it took 10,213 samples from imported live poultry for the test. Since 24 January 2014, H7 serological testing has been in place to strengthen surveillance against Al.

On 30 December 2014, a number of samples in a consignment of imported live poultry were confirmed positive for H7 Al by PCR test. Following the incident, the Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market was closed and trading of live poultry was suspended. To facilitate the continued supply of live chickens during the closure of the Cheung Sha Wan facility, the Ta Kwu Ling Check Point handled local live chickens from 10 to 21 January 2015. The Cheung Sha Wan facility resumed operation on 21 January 2015.

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 territory. The department 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, and formulates the corresponding quarantine measures for the import control of animals and animal products.

In 2015, 8,000 permits were issued for animal imports, which included dogs, cats, horses, 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 animals and animal products hidden in luggage. at boundary control points including Lok Ma Chau, Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong International Airport. In 2015, more than 195,000 travellers, 1,300 vehicles and 31,000 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 2015, some 65,500 dogs were licensed and vaccinated against rabies. About 2,400 stray dogs and 1,400 stray cats were brought to the AFCD Animal Management Centres during the year, including those surrendered by their owners. The department runs a rehoming programme for the healthy and well-tempered ones.

160