Hong Kong orders chicken cull as bird flu alert raised
Hong Kong is culling 17,000 chickens after three birds were confirmed to have died from the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain in the past week.
The government has banned imports and the sale of live chickens for three weeks after an infected chicken carcass was found at a wholesale market on Tuesday.
It has also raised the city's flu alert system to "serious".
Two wild birds were also found to have died of the the virus.
The government said it was tracing the source of the chicken carcass, but it was not clear whether the chicken came from a local farm or was imported.
"I understand that it will cause inconvenience to the public, and the poultry trade will also encounter losses," said Hong Kong's secretary for food and health, York Chow.
"However, to safeguard public health, we need to adopt decisive and effective measures to prevent and control the spread of the virus."
On Tuesday, a dead Oriental magpie found at a secondary school tested positive for bird flu.
Another secondary school closed for a day for disinfection last Friday after a dead black-headed gull was found with the virus.
Hong Kong is quick to take action against infectious diseases after an outbreak of the deadly respiratory disease SARS in 2003 killed 300 people in the city and a further 500 worldwide.
In 2009, 300 people were placed under quarantine at a Hong Kong hotel after a guest contracted swine flu.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16280698
Showing posts with label Hong Kong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hong Kong. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Hong Kong drops plan to import rare whales
AFP - A Hong Kong theme park has dropped a contentious plan to buy and import rare wild-caught beluga whales, in a decision lauded Friday by conservationists who had protested against the bid.Activists opposed Ocean Park's plan to import the whales, classified as "near threatened", from Russia, saying they are often injured or killed during capture and mortality rates are high among those in captivity.
The park had wanted to use the belugas, usually found around the Arctic circle, to raise public awareness of climate change through its new Polar Adventure attraction to open next year.
"After due consideration, we have decided not to pursue an acquisition from the wild even though the removal of some beluga whales has been shown to be sustainable," Allan Zeman, Ocean Park's chairman, said in a statement.
The popular 34-year-old theme park and aquarium is owned by the Hong Kong government and has set out ambitious plans to boost visitors. The park recorded five million tourists last year.
The beluga, or white whale, is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) "red list" of "near threatened" species, while the US and Canada have effectively banned the whales' capture from their waters.
"The park did the right thing. We certainly welcome the decision," Samuel Hung, chairman of the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, told AFP.
"It's not right to confine a large intelligent mammal inside a tank, this is harming their chance of survival and send a wrong message to the public -- that whenever we need them for entertainment purpose, we can go out to catch them."
The park has previously come under the spotlight over its conservation and protection of rare animals.
Last year, Washington-based Animal Welfare Institute has said Ocean Park was trying to capture some 30 dolphins in the Soloman Islands, possibly in breach of animal conservation rules -- a claim which was later rejected by the park.
Any dolphin imports from the cluster of islands near Papua New Guinea would breach the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
In 2009, three rare sturgeon -- which were among a group of 10 sturgeon donated to the theme park to mark China's hosting of the Olympics in 2008 -- died in the park.
The endangered fish died because of different reasons including head injury, blood clotting, infection while one was killed by a bite from barracuda in the aquarium.
Outside the park, conservation groups such as the WWF have consistently appealed to restaurants in Hong Kong -- the largest importer of shark fin globally in 2007 -- to stop using the fins in the popular soup delicacy.
Scientists blame the practice of shark-finning for a worldwide collapse in shark populations.
http://www.france24.com/en/20110902-hong-kong-drops-plan-import-rare-whales
The park had wanted to use the belugas, usually found around the Arctic circle, to raise public awareness of climate change through its new Polar Adventure attraction to open next year.
"After due consideration, we have decided not to pursue an acquisition from the wild even though the removal of some beluga whales has been shown to be sustainable," Allan Zeman, Ocean Park's chairman, said in a statement.
The popular 34-year-old theme park and aquarium is owned by the Hong Kong government and has set out ambitious plans to boost visitors. The park recorded five million tourists last year.
The beluga, or white whale, is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) "red list" of "near threatened" species, while the US and Canada have effectively banned the whales' capture from their waters.
"The park did the right thing. We certainly welcome the decision," Samuel Hung, chairman of the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, told AFP.
"It's not right to confine a large intelligent mammal inside a tank, this is harming their chance of survival and send a wrong message to the public -- that whenever we need them for entertainment purpose, we can go out to catch them."
The park has previously come under the spotlight over its conservation and protection of rare animals.
Last year, Washington-based Animal Welfare Institute has said Ocean Park was trying to capture some 30 dolphins in the Soloman Islands, possibly in breach of animal conservation rules -- a claim which was later rejected by the park.
Any dolphin imports from the cluster of islands near Papua New Guinea would breach the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
In 2009, three rare sturgeon -- which were among a group of 10 sturgeon donated to the theme park to mark China's hosting of the Olympics in 2008 -- died in the park.
The endangered fish died because of different reasons including head injury, blood clotting, infection while one was killed by a bite from barracuda in the aquarium.
Outside the park, conservation groups such as the WWF have consistently appealed to restaurants in Hong Kong -- the largest importer of shark fin globally in 2007 -- to stop using the fins in the popular soup delicacy.
Scientists blame the practice of shark-finning for a worldwide collapse in shark populations.
http://www.france24.com/en/20110902-hong-kong-drops-plan-import-rare-whales
Friday, July 15, 2011
Meet Hong Kong's urban beekeepers
Beekeeping may not be what you would expect to find 14 storeys up.
But in Hong Kong an organization of beekepers, artists and designers is trying to spread urban beekeeping.
There are already 11 beehives on Hong Kong rooftops.
Eric Camara reports.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14130723
But in Hong Kong an organization of beekepers, artists and designers is trying to spread urban beekeeping.
There are already 11 beehives on Hong Kong rooftops.
Eric Camara reports.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14130723
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Hong Kong duck returns from epic Arctic trip
The return of duck to Hong Kong after a year-long 6,000km (3,700-mile) journey to the Arctic has yielded new information about bird migration.
The female, fitted with a tracking device, was one of about 20 monitored by the WWF conservation group.
Using Google Earth, the WWF identified the duck's feeding areas and route back to Hong Kong's Mai Po Nature Reserve.
Another duck flew at the record-breaking speed of 114km/h (70mph), the data revealed.
The Mai Po Nature Reserve's manager, Bena Smith, said the duck that returned often travelled at 50km/h (31mph).
One of the birds was shot dead over Russia, where its transmitter was tracked to what was probably the hunter's home.
WWF and its partners, including the US Geological Survey, are studying not only migration but also avian diseases.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12074558
The female, fitted with a tracking device, was one of about 20 monitored by the WWF conservation group.
Using Google Earth, the WWF identified the duck's feeding areas and route back to Hong Kong's Mai Po Nature Reserve.
Another duck flew at the record-breaking speed of 114km/h (70mph), the data revealed.
The Mai Po Nature Reserve's manager, Bena Smith, said the duck that returned often travelled at 50km/h (31mph).
One of the birds was shot dead over Russia, where its transmitter was tracked to what was probably the hunter's home.
WWF and its partners, including the US Geological Survey, are studying not only migration but also avian diseases.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12074558
Hong Kong duck returns from epic Arctic trip
The return of duck to Hong Kong after a year-long 6,000km (3,700-mile) journey to the Arctic has yielded new information about bird migration.
The female, fitted with a tracking device, was one of about 20 monitored by the WWF conservation group.
Using Google Earth, the WWF identified the duck's feeding areas and route back to Hong Kong's Mai Po Nature Reserve.
Another duck flew at the record-breaking speed of 114km/h (70mph), the data revealed.
The Mai Po Nature Reserve's manager, Bena Smith, said the duck that returned often travelled at 50km/h (31mph).
One of the birds was shot dead over Russia, where its transmitter was tracked to what was probably the hunter's home.
WWF and its partners, including the US Geological Survey, are studying not only migration but also avian diseases.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12074558
The female, fitted with a tracking device, was one of about 20 monitored by the WWF conservation group.
Using Google Earth, the WWF identified the duck's feeding areas and route back to Hong Kong's Mai Po Nature Reserve.
Another duck flew at the record-breaking speed of 114km/h (70mph), the data revealed.
The Mai Po Nature Reserve's manager, Bena Smith, said the duck that returned often travelled at 50km/h (31mph).
One of the birds was shot dead over Russia, where its transmitter was tracked to what was probably the hunter's home.
WWF and its partners, including the US Geological Survey, are studying not only migration but also avian diseases.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12074558
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Airlift Saves Turtles From Certain Death -- Fifty Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles
Jacksonville, FL, November 2, 2010 Press Release Turtle Survival Alliance
Fifty Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles have arrived in Florida to begin a new life after being rescued from an illegal wildlife shipment in Hong Kong.
Had the turtles been successfully smuggled into China, they would have been killed to satisfy the large demand for turtle meat and turtle parts used in Chinese medicine
An endangered species, the Yellow-Headed Temple Turtle gets its name from the tradition of releasing the species into Buddhist temple ponds. One of the largest aquatic turtles in Southeast Asia, Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles can reach two feet in length.
It is not known where the turtles were originally captured by poachers. Because of concerns about genetics and disease transfer, they could not be released into another habitat. Hong Kong's Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden provided temporary housing, but no permanent facilities were available. The turtles were stranded with no place to go.
It was then that the Fort Worth, Texas-based Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) went into action, determined to find a home for the endangered turtles. An appeal to TSA members quickly raised funds for a turtle airlift to the USA, and facilities to house the turtles were located in Florida.
"It doesn't sound like much of a challenge to house fifty turtles, but you have to remember that this species can reach two feet long and weigh more than 35 pounds," said Rick Hudson, conservation biologist and TSA President. "They need large outdoor ponds with clean water and warm temperatures year-round."
Transporting the turtles over 8,000 miles threatened to be cost-prohibitive, but at the final hour, Taiwan-based EVA airlines generously offered to move the animals at a discounted fare. The turtles were boxed in 20 temperature-controlled containers and loaded onto a cargo jet.
Upon arrival at Atlanta International Airport, the turtles were met by Cris Hagen, Director of Animal Management for the Turtle Survival Alliance.
The turtles were transported to the Jacksonville Zoo, where they were unpacked and assessed after their long trip. From there, they were taken to their new Florida home, an immense pond on private property. The turtles will form the core of a breeding colony to help assure the species' survival.
"We should start seeing some reproduction in the next year or two, after they have acclimated and settled into their new south Florida home," Hagen said.
Thanks to the generosity of its members and EVA Airlines, the TSA has created a Turtle Transport Fund for similar emergencies in the future. "If we want to save these amazing creatures, we have to be able to move fast," Hudson said.
About the Turtle Survival Alliance: The Turtle Survival Alliance's mission is to conserve tortoises and turtles through a global network of species recovery efforts and captive breeding programs. More information can be found at www.turtlesurvival.org.
From: HerpDigest Volume # 10 Issue # 48 11/10/10 (A Not-for-Profit Publication)
Fifty Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles have arrived in Florida to begin a new life after being rescued from an illegal wildlife shipment in Hong Kong.
Had the turtles been successfully smuggled into China, they would have been killed to satisfy the large demand for turtle meat and turtle parts used in Chinese medicine
An endangered species, the Yellow-Headed Temple Turtle gets its name from the tradition of releasing the species into Buddhist temple ponds. One of the largest aquatic turtles in Southeast Asia, Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles can reach two feet in length.
It is not known where the turtles were originally captured by poachers. Because of concerns about genetics and disease transfer, they could not be released into another habitat. Hong Kong's Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden provided temporary housing, but no permanent facilities were available. The turtles were stranded with no place to go.
It was then that the Fort Worth, Texas-based Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) went into action, determined to find a home for the endangered turtles. An appeal to TSA members quickly raised funds for a turtle airlift to the USA, and facilities to house the turtles were located in Florida.
"It doesn't sound like much of a challenge to house fifty turtles, but you have to remember that this species can reach two feet long and weigh more than 35 pounds," said Rick Hudson, conservation biologist and TSA President. "They need large outdoor ponds with clean water and warm temperatures year-round."
Transporting the turtles over 8,000 miles threatened to be cost-prohibitive, but at the final hour, Taiwan-based EVA airlines generously offered to move the animals at a discounted fare. The turtles were boxed in 20 temperature-controlled containers and loaded onto a cargo jet.
Upon arrival at Atlanta International Airport, the turtles were met by Cris Hagen, Director of Animal Management for the Turtle Survival Alliance.
The turtles were transported to the Jacksonville Zoo, where they were unpacked and assessed after their long trip. From there, they were taken to their new Florida home, an immense pond on private property. The turtles will form the core of a breeding colony to help assure the species' survival.
"We should start seeing some reproduction in the next year or two, after they have acclimated and settled into their new south Florida home," Hagen said.
Thanks to the generosity of its members and EVA Airlines, the TSA has created a Turtle Transport Fund for similar emergencies in the future. "If we want to save these amazing creatures, we have to be able to move fast," Hudson said.
About the Turtle Survival Alliance: The Turtle Survival Alliance's mission is to conserve tortoises and turtles through a global network of species recovery efforts and captive breeding programs. More information can be found at www.turtlesurvival.org.
From: HerpDigest Volume # 10 Issue # 48 11/10/10 (A Not-for-Profit Publication)
Airlift Saves Turtles From Certain Death -- Fifty Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles
Jacksonville, FL, November 2, 2010 Press Release Turtle Survival Alliance
Fifty Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles have arrived in Florida to begin a new life after being rescued from an illegal wildlife shipment in Hong Kong.
Had the turtles been successfully smuggled into China, they would have been killed to satisfy the large demand for turtle meat and turtle parts used in Chinese medicine
An endangered species, the Yellow-Headed Temple Turtle gets its name from the tradition of releasing the species into Buddhist temple ponds. One of the largest aquatic turtles in Southeast Asia, Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles can reach two feet in length.
It is not known where the turtles were originally captured by poachers. Because of concerns about genetics and disease transfer, they could not be released into another habitat. Hong Kong's Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden provided temporary housing, but no permanent facilities were available. The turtles were stranded with no place to go.
It was then that the Fort Worth, Texas-based Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) went into action, determined to find a home for the endangered turtles. An appeal to TSA members quickly raised funds for a turtle airlift to the USA, and facilities to house the turtles were located in Florida.
"It doesn't sound like much of a challenge to house fifty turtles, but you have to remember that this species can reach two feet long and weigh more than 35 pounds," said Rick Hudson, conservation biologist and TSA President. "They need large outdoor ponds with clean water and warm temperatures year-round."
Transporting the turtles over 8,000 miles threatened to be cost-prohibitive, but at the final hour, Taiwan-based EVA airlines generously offered to move the animals at a discounted fare. The turtles were boxed in 20 temperature-controlled containers and loaded onto a cargo jet.
Upon arrival at Atlanta International Airport, the turtles were met by Cris Hagen, Director of Animal Management for the Turtle Survival Alliance.
The turtles were transported to the Jacksonville Zoo, where they were unpacked and assessed after their long trip. From there, they were taken to their new Florida home, an immense pond on private property. The turtles will form the core of a breeding colony to help assure the species' survival.
"We should start seeing some reproduction in the next year or two, after they have acclimated and settled into their new south Florida home," Hagen said.
Thanks to the generosity of its members and EVA Airlines, the TSA has created a Turtle Transport Fund for similar emergencies in the future. "If we want to save these amazing creatures, we have to be able to move fast," Hudson said.
About the Turtle Survival Alliance: The Turtle Survival Alliance's mission is to conserve tortoises and turtles through a global network of species recovery efforts and captive breeding programs. More information can be found at www.turtlesurvival.org.
From: HerpDigest Volume # 10 Issue # 48 11/10/10 (A Not-for-Profit Publication)
Fifty Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles have arrived in Florida to begin a new life after being rescued from an illegal wildlife shipment in Hong Kong.
Had the turtles been successfully smuggled into China, they would have been killed to satisfy the large demand for turtle meat and turtle parts used in Chinese medicine
An endangered species, the Yellow-Headed Temple Turtle gets its name from the tradition of releasing the species into Buddhist temple ponds. One of the largest aquatic turtles in Southeast Asia, Yellow-Headed Temple Turtles can reach two feet in length.
It is not known where the turtles were originally captured by poachers. Because of concerns about genetics and disease transfer, they could not be released into another habitat. Hong Kong's Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden provided temporary housing, but no permanent facilities were available. The turtles were stranded with no place to go.
It was then that the Fort Worth, Texas-based Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) went into action, determined to find a home for the endangered turtles. An appeal to TSA members quickly raised funds for a turtle airlift to the USA, and facilities to house the turtles were located in Florida.
"It doesn't sound like much of a challenge to house fifty turtles, but you have to remember that this species can reach two feet long and weigh more than 35 pounds," said Rick Hudson, conservation biologist and TSA President. "They need large outdoor ponds with clean water and warm temperatures year-round."
Transporting the turtles over 8,000 miles threatened to be cost-prohibitive, but at the final hour, Taiwan-based EVA airlines generously offered to move the animals at a discounted fare. The turtles were boxed in 20 temperature-controlled containers and loaded onto a cargo jet.
Upon arrival at Atlanta International Airport, the turtles were met by Cris Hagen, Director of Animal Management for the Turtle Survival Alliance.
The turtles were transported to the Jacksonville Zoo, where they were unpacked and assessed after their long trip. From there, they were taken to their new Florida home, an immense pond on private property. The turtles will form the core of a breeding colony to help assure the species' survival.
"We should start seeing some reproduction in the next year or two, after they have acclimated and settled into their new south Florida home," Hagen said.
Thanks to the generosity of its members and EVA Airlines, the TSA has created a Turtle Transport Fund for similar emergencies in the future. "If we want to save these amazing creatures, we have to be able to move fast," Hudson said.
About the Turtle Survival Alliance: The Turtle Survival Alliance's mission is to conserve tortoises and turtles through a global network of species recovery efforts and captive breeding programs. More information can be found at www.turtlesurvival.org.
From: HerpDigest Volume # 10 Issue # 48 11/10/10 (A Not-for-Profit Publication)
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