The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong announced Thursday a free avian influenza vaccination program for backyard poultry.

A department spokesman said that the vaccination program aimed to minimize the public health risks of a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak from local backyard poultry, which at present is not subject to the licensing conditions for poultry farms that keep more than 20 birds.

"Vaccinated poultry will be secured with leg bands for individual identification. Two injections will be arranged and each will be four to six weeks apart," said the spokesman.

The department's staff will start scheduling visits upon referral and vaccinate the poultry on site in accordance with the departmental guidelines that cover the dosage, storage of vaccine and disposal of medical waste.

During the visit, the households will be given a pamphlet and instructions for backyard poultry biosecurity measures including bird nets, disinfection arrangements and segregation of poultry if they want to continue keeping their poultry.

In view of the current threat of avian influenza in the region, the spokesman said households should consider giving up backyard farming if they could not provide adequate biosecurity measures.

(Xinhua News Agency November 4, 2005)