Press Releases
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New quarantine system for imported cattle The Agriculture and Fisheries Department and the State Administration of Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Department of the mainland have jointly established a new ear-tag and quarantine system for imported cattle. Introducing the new inspection system today (Thursday), Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr Thomas Sit said: "It is to enable an effective tracing back of the origin of imported cattle to further enhance food safety for Hong Kong people." The new tagging and quarantine system will be implemented starting January 1, 2000. Under the new system, all mainland farms permitted to import cattle to Hong Kong will have to be registered and these farms must fulfill all essential hygiene, vaccination and quarantine requirements. Besides, each imported cattle should wear an ear tag measuring 3cm x 6cm in size. The tag will show the number of each individual animal and specify which registered farm it is coming from. Dr Sit said all cattle must go through a quarantine period of about two months at the cattle farms. "Only those passing all health requirements will be allowed to leave the farms. "These cattle must then go through official inspection and checking. A health certificate will be issued by the veterinary officers of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Department to prove that they are fit for exportation," he added. Dr Sit noted that all cattle must not be fed with prohibited drugs and should follow the drug withholding period regulations to avoid adverse effects and contamination of the animals. "All cattle feed must be processed according to requirements of the mainland authority and transport vehicles for cattle must be disinfected," he said. Staff of Hong Kong's veterinary public health section will inspect the health status of every consignment of cattle at Man Kam To Inspection Centre and Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse. Health certificates and related documents will be examined and verified. Dr Sit said his staff would visit registered farms in mainland to exchange information with the mainland officials to ensure all cattle coming to Hong Kong would be healthy. |
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