tsheunglai

Dear all

March and April are migratory months and the Barn Swallow killed by Avian-flu cannot be related to
chick-farms in the colony. The dead bird itself was probably infected while quite a long way from
Hong Kong. On the other hand, a spontaneous outbreak resulting in deaths in local chick-farm(s)
and even one single wild bird could have established much stronger evidence in the relation between domestic birds and wild birds and the subsequent shutdown of MPNR would be more convincing.

In the present circumstances, there are obvious irrational feelings rather than rational decision based on probability of evidence and therefore unacceptable. AFCD is now seen, with regard to this particular incidence, as a highly bureacratic body trying their best to find the easiest way out to avoid the remotest chance of public outcry.

S L Tai

tsheunglai

Dear all

The basic factors are, I think, have been laid before the forum. To be a responsible government body,
AFCD should take precautionary measures by steps. HK parents are, in my opinion, on average over-protective of their children. To dispell their fear, the initial step might be stopping of all
guided tours for schools. Next could be to limit the age or no. of visitors daily, say over 21 years old
and 200 respectively.

The above suggestions are by no means science-based. But they align to the present political and
military policy of a superpower state that they will not resort to nuclear weapons when they  
first suffer armed attack of any kind. In a word, AFCD should review their present policy and decision making mechanism as regards birdflu happening in HK. The present one is just like death sentence
for all criminal offences, be it spitting in the street or murder of the first order.

I do hope WWFHK and HKBWS management people are reading our discussion and take up necessary steps.

I look forward to reading what comments Bena and Dr Cheung Ho Fai would make and action they intend
to take.

S L Tai