A report alleging that there is no control on such imports from the Mainland was incorrect, he added.

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China's mainland officials will inspect the birds before the birds are allowed to be exported to Hong Kong.

When the consignment arrives at the Hong Kong import control point, AFCD officers will inspect the birds' health and welfare conditions and verify the health certification. Samples will be taken for avian influenza H5 testing.

As far as the Munia species is concerned, the department's record showed that about 38,000 heads were imported into Hong Kong from the mainland in 2006. The group included White-backed Munia and Scaly-breasted Munia.

Scaly-breasted Munia is a resident bird in Hong Kong.

The spokesman added that all pet bird traders must obtain an animal trader license and they were being regularly inspected by AFCD officers.

"We have stepped up inspection of the Bird Garden from three times a week to five times a week," he said.

"Samples are regularly collected for testing of avian influenza viruses. Of the 2,400 samples that were tested last year, none was positive for avian influenza."

The department has also contacted the Customs and Excise Department to maintain vigorous surveillance and control on illegal import or smuggling of birds.

The spokesman stressed that the department had a very effective and intensive system monitoring avian influenza in wild birds.

"Fresh droppings from wild birds including migratory birds are collected for H5 avian influenza testing. Last year, 6,400 samples were collected and the results are all negative," he said.

"As for dead birds collected for testing last year, 17 of some 10,000 birds were tested positive," the spokesman added.

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