The government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) had stepped up the monitoring of live pigs and pork since the discovery of influenza A/H1N1 cases in the world, a spokesman for Food and Health Bureau said on Thursday.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of HKSAR government and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have collected more samples for testing in local pig farms and slaughterhouses respectively. All samples were tested negative to influenza A/H1N1.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has completed inspections of all the 43 pig farms in Hong Kong. The department has issued guidelines to pig farmers reminding them to stay alert and maintain good environmental and personal hygiene and bio-security measures on the farms, such as wearing masks when taking care of pigs and washing hands frequently.

WHO has issued a joint statement with the World Organization for Animal Health, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Trade Organization saying that pork and pork products which were handled properly and thoroughly cooked were not a source of infection. To date there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted by food.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2009)