Press Releases

Mosquito control measures at wholesale markets and country parks
Friday, October 4, 2002

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) and the Vegetable Marketing Organisation (VMO) have jointly stepped up anti-mosquito measures in their wholesale markets to prevent the spread of dengue fever.

A spokesman for AFCD said today (October 4), "In addition to enhancing daily cleaning work at the wholesale markets, cleaning contractors have conducted special clean-up operations this week at FMO's seven wholesale fish markets, AFCD's wholesale poultry market and two wholesale food markets, and VMO's wholesale vegetable market to ensure that empty containers and refuse are disposed of and stagnant water cleared in these premises."

All wholesale fish markets are thoroughly cleaned immediately after close of trade with empty containers and refuse removed. Petroleum oil is applied to drains to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.

"Notices and posters have been posted at all wholesale markets to alert traders to take appropriate actions such as removing stagnant water and covering water tanks to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds.

"AFCD staff has visited fish culture zones, including the Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone, to advise mariculturists on measures against mosquito breeding. Copies of a leaflet on vector prevention and control have been distributed to fishermen and fish farmers' associations to disseminate the anti-mosquito message," he said.

With the start of the hiking season, the spokesman reminded hikers and country park visitors to take appropriate preventive measures such as wearing long-sleeved clothes and trousers.

Country park wardens have continued their efforts in inspecting hiking trails, barbecue sites, picnic sites and camp sites to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Drains are cleared and depressions found on sites have been leveled to prevent holding of stagnant water. Petroleum oil or larvicide is applied to water bodies at work sites wherever necessary.

he wardens have also distributed leaflets to country park visitors and morning walkers advising them on measures against dengue fever. Posters on prevention and control of mosquitoes have also been posted at country park information boards and visitor centres. A film on dengue fever is broadcast regularly in visitor centres.

"We will continue our blitz against mosquitoes in wholesale markets and country parks in support of territory-wide efforts on vector prevention and control," the spokesman added.