AFCD to launch dog inoculation campaign against rabies at fishing ports

2024-06-28 11:00 Last Updated At：11:38

Afcd launches dog inoculation campaign at fishing ports in hong kong to prevent rabies outbreaks among fishermen's pets

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (June 28) that a dog inoculation campaign will be held at various fishing ports in Hong Kong. Fishermen can have their dogs vaccinated against rabies and microchipped, and renew their dog licences.

The AFCD mobile vaccination teams will provide the services at the following fishing ports according to the schedule below from 10am to 3pm:

Sam Mun Tsai

July 8

Sha Tau Kok

July 10

Aberdeen

July 12

Castle Peak

July 12

Shau Kei Wan

July 19

Sai Kung

July 24

Cheung Chau

July 26

The half-yearly dog inoculation campaign has been held since 1980 with the aim of providing licensing renewal and rabies vaccination services for dogs that are kept by fishermen on board fishing vessels and spend long periods of time there. A fee of $80 will be charged for each dog. To date, over 7 400 vaccinations have been given to dogs on fishing vessels by the AFCD.

An AFCD spokesman said that the services are part of the Government's proactive measures to prevent rabies, a fatal disease that is transmitted to humans from animals. Dogs on board vessels that have visited places outside Hong Kong may have come into contact with other animals, making them more susceptible to rabies infection.

"Although Hong Kong has been free from animal rabies since 1987, we must remain vigilant to prevent any possible outbreak," the spokesman said.

Under the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), all dogs aged over 5 months must be vaccinated against rabies, licensed and microchipped. Dogs have to be revaccinated against rabies and their licences have to be renewed at intervals not exceeding three years. Dog owners who fail to do so are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 upon conviction.

CHP announces investigation progress of case of dengue fever

2024-06-30 19:50 Last Updated At：19:58

Investigation into dengue fever in tin shui wai continues: public urged to take precautionary measures and stay informed

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 30) continued its investigation into a case of dengue fever (DF)announcedon June 28. The CHP urged again the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel. Meanwhile, persons who have been to Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai with DF symptomsshould contact the CHP as soon as possible.

According to the latest findings of epidemiological investigations, no linked case has been identified by the CHP so far. The CHP has inspected the residence of the patient on June 28. Blood samples of the patient's two household contacts tested negative for dengue virus upon laboratory testing. As at 3pm today, the CHP has contacted over 3 000 residents from over 1 200 households of Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai. No suspected case is identified.

Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Housing Department inspected the vicinity of Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai and enhanced the anti-mosquito work yesterday (June 29) morning. They also suggested the cleansing service contractor to strengthen mosquito control measures.

The CHP held a health talk jointly with the FEHD yesterday evening in the Tin Shui Community Centre, during which the CHP also conducted free DF antibody tests for people in the district with relevant symptoms.

Meanwhile, the CHP appeals to persons who have been to Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai with DF symptoms to call the CHP's hotline (2125 2374) which is operatingfrom 9am to 1pm tomorrow(July 1) and will continue to operatefrom 9am to 5pmfrom July 2, Monday to Friday(excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. DF is clinically characterised by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and rash.

The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:

Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;

Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;

Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;

Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;

Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;

Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and

Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing and uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:

Read the label instructions carefully first;

Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;

Apply on exposed skin and clothing;

Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;

Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and

Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

The public should call1823in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF pages of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook PageandYouTube Channel.