Services of New Territories South Animal Management Centre of AFCD to resume as normal

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (March 19) announced that services of the New Territories South Animal Management Centre (NTSAMC) will resume as normal from March 22 (Monday).
 
     A spokesman for the AFCD said, "In light of the latest developments of COVID-19, only a few pet animals are under quarantine or veterinary monitoring with the AFCD at present. Therefore, all animals previously transferred to other Animal Management Centres will be transferred back to the NTSAMC for follow-up."
 
     The animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will still be used for quarantine and veterinary monitoring for animals that test positive for the COVID-19 virus in future.
 
     The 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 pets are spotted, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible.
 
     The spokesman emphasised that currently there is no evidence that pets are playing a role in the spread of human infection with COVID-19. Pet owners should always maintain good hygiene practices and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.