Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ17: Animals infected with Human Swine Influenza

Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (March 10):

Question:

It has been reported that the world's first case of a dog infected with Human Swine Influenza (HSI) was uncovered on the Mainland. The genes of the virus in the infected dog were 99% the same as those in human infections. Experts have pointed out that the virus may spread among dogs and may even be transmitted to humans. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) what information on the transmission of the HSI virus among animals or from animals to humans the authorities have got hold of;

(b) whether the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has formulated guidelines to prevent animals under its management or detention from contracting the virus; and

(c) whether AFCD has adopted any concrete measure to prevent the spread of the virus among animals?

Reply:

President,

(a) At present, human-to-human transmission of Human Swine Influenza (HSI) is quite common in the community. Apart from pigs, there is currently no scientific evidence that this virus can spread widely among animals. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) also points out that there is no evidence that having contact with animals will increase the risk of spread of HSI virus among humans.

According to the reports and information of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the OIE, the HSI virus mainly transmits from humans to humans and sporadically from humans to animals. Recent documents showed that most infected animals had prior contact with persons with flu-like symptoms. These animals only developed mild respiratory symptoms or did not become sick at all. Most of the pigs also made a full recovery afterwards and chances for them to infect human are slim.

The Administration will continue to monitor the development of the HSI globally and locally, paying particular attention to whether there is a genetic mutation of the virus, and whether viral virulence and transmissibility have increased. In addition, the Administration has also been keeping abreast of the latest information announced by the WHO/OIE, strengthening liaison with them as well as Mainland and overseas health authorities, and maintaining information transparency, so as to ensure that effective preventive and control measures are implemented in Hong Kong and that public health is protected. If there is scientific evidence showing the possibility of an extensive transmission among dogs or other animals, we will introduce corresponding preventive and control initiatives immediately.

(b) The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has formulated operational guidelines for staff responsible for animal care in the Animal Management Centres (AMCs). The guidelines stipulate measures for keeping the AMCs clean and hygienic, and also require that all diseased animals must be quarantined and under medical observation and treatment by a veterinary surgeon, so as to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among animals in the AMCs.

(c) As mentioned in the reply in part (a), according to the reports and information of the WHO and the OIE, there is currently no scientific evidence that this virus can spread widely among animals other than pigs. Since the emergence of the HSI virus last year, the Administration has been providing free HSI vaccination for personnel involved in pig farming and slaughtering trade. As at March 8, 2010, over one third of them have received vaccination, totalling 527 persons. The AFCD has also increased the frequency of inspections on pig farms and has been closely monitoring the health condition of pigs on local farms. Any pig with clinical signs of HSI will be carefully examined and samples will be taken for diagnosis. The AFCD has also reminded livestock farmers to step up disease prevention efforts and stringently implement bio-security measures, as well as provided them with guidelines and health advice on the prevention of HSI through letters and during farm inspections.


Ends/Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:16

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