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With the Lunar New Year approaching, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Mainland authorities have stepped up inspection and quarantine measures for plants destined for Hong Kong to ensure that they are free of Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) and any other pests.
In addition to more inspections, the department will continue to provide technical support on RIFA control and pest identification services.
The AFCD Senior Agricultural Officer (Regulatory), Ms Wendy Ko Wan-chi, said today (January 13) that the department had been in close contact with the Mainland authorities on inspection and quarantine control of plants imported into Hong Kong, with a view to facilitating a smooth flower trade.
AFCD officers met with officials of the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau and the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau in the Mainland earlier this week and obtained first-hand information on their quarantine requirements.
"According to the information we have received, pest control has been stepped up in Mainland nurseries and all plant consignments must meet the quarantine requirements before exporting to Hong Kong. Depending on the traffic situation, the Mainland authorities will set up special exits at their checkpoints to speed up vehicle flow," Ms Ko said.
"The AFCD will carry out more inspections at both our border checkpoints and the local nurseries. Any consignments found with RIFA will be treated immediately."
Since the beginning of this month, the department has inspected 93 cross-boundary trucks, 10 of which were carrying plants imported from the Mainland. None of the plants were found to have pest problems.
During some 1,600 inspections conducted by AFCD at border checkpoints last year, RIFA was detected in one consignment of tree saplings. The Mainland authorities were informed of the case immediately.
The AFCD will continue to provide technical support to control and identify RIFA and organise training workshops for local pest control personnel.
Local farmers have been briefed on the stepping up of plant inspections. They are advised to monitor and report any pest problems at their farms.
Ends/Friday, January 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:16
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