Hong Kong Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food York Chow said on Wednesday that Tamiflu resistance to bird flu is minimal, although the special administrative region's government is monitoring the situation.

He told lawmakers at a Legislative Council meeting that Tamiflu is a treatment for ordinary human influenza, but it also shows antiviral activity against avian flu in the laboratory.

He said the World Health Organization and Hong Kong's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases have both recommended stockpiles of Tamiflu as an antiviral drug for any influenza pandemic.

Asked if the government will implement immigration controls, Chow said health advice is provided to all travelers departing for or arriving from countries affected by avian influenza.

"Passengers arriving through the airport are also required to undergo temperature checks. Those found to have a temperature are referred to medical posts for a more detailed check-up, and if necessary admitted to hospital," he said.

Chow said the Government Influenza Vaccination Program covers people living in residential care homes and those who are chronically ill.

This year it has been extended to cover people aged 65 or above who are on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance. However, the government does not consider it appropriate to broaden eligibility for the program to all elderly people of that age group, who can seek vaccination in the private sector, Chow added.

Source: Xinhua