With a sharp increase in the number of people placed under compulsory quarantine for COVID-19, the demand by pet owners to send their pet animals to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for quarantine and veterinary monitoring rises. In this light, the Department needs to have more room to cater for such needs. The AFCD today (January 20) announced that the New Territories South Animal Management Centre (NTSAMC) would be launched tomorrow (January 21) as another quarantine facility for pet animals related to COVID-19 cases. The NTSAMC will cease opening to public and receive any animals except hamsters purchased in local pet shops on or after December 22, 2021 and surrendered by members of the public until further notice. All animals other than those placed under quarantine and veterinary monitoring, and hamsters, in the NTSAMC will be transferred to other Animal Management Centres for follow-up.

     The animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will only be used for quarantine and veterinary monitoring for animals tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

     An AFCD spokesman reminded pet owners to adopt good hygiene practices (including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them) and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment. People who are sick should restrict contact with animals. If any changes in the health condition of the pets are spotted, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible.

Ends/Thursday, January 20, 2022
Issued at HKT 23:55

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