Press Releases

AFCD advises pig farmers to have pigs vaccinated
Thursday, March 1, 2001

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reminds pig farmers today (March 1) to take precaution against classical swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and have their pigs vaccinated.

The Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (Agriculture, Quarantine and Inspection), Dr Leslie Sims, said that both classical swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease are common viral diseases occurring in pigs in the region, including Hong Kong. Eradication by slaughtering is not appropriate and the diseases can best be controlled by vaccination.

"Most pig farms in Hong Kong vaccinate their pigs against classical swine fever. It is in the best interests for pig farmers to do so as pigs may contract the disease and die if they are not adequately vaccinated.

"On FMD, AFCD works closely with international experts to find out the best ways to protect pigs from the disease. As a result of this work, we have updated our recommendations and disseminated the revised vaccination protocol to all pig farmers in September last year before winter so that farmers can step up their preparation before the usual peak season for the disease," Dr Sims said.

He stressed that classical swine fever and FMD are animal diseases and cause no public health hazards. Classical swine fever is contagious in pigs only and there is no risk of human infection. On the other hand, the transmission of FMD of pigs to human beings through direct contact is extremely rare.

Dr Sims said that AFCD provides farmers with veterinary diagnostic services.

He stressed, "We will continue to step up inspection of pig farms and remind pig farmers to maintain proper farm hygiene. We will also continue to follow up on all reports of animal diseases. Pig farmers who encounter cash flow problems can also apply for low interest loans from the department."

The Department will continue to report all confirmed cases of serious livestock diseases to International Veterinary authorities (OIE). The collated world disease situation report is available on the internet.