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Topic: Should Mai Po be closed? 應否關閉米埔自然保育區？ (Read 1116 times) |
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HF_Cheung
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Should Mai Po be closed? 應否關閉米埔自然保育區？
« on: Nov 1st, 2005, 8:05pm » |
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Dear members of HKBWS,
The wave of Avian Flu news will continue. Although I know many of you are very brave men and women, I urge you to protect yourselves in this period of Avian Flu panic. If a bird watchers in Hong Kong get infected, you can imagine the impact it has to the society.
Let me start with some information in HK last winter. The virus H5N1 was found in November, December and January on wild bird (dead herons). Although Mai Po seem to be safe so far, the condition in Mai Po posts a somewhat higher risk compared to other places. For that I mean Mai Po, especially the education center, have very high concentration of Great Cormorants and wild waterfowls. There is at the same time a captive waterfowl collection. Birds will feed from the same bucket that was put up by the workers. If there is a single bird carrying the virus, the chance of a mass infection is quite real, I think.
Cormorant is one of the main species breeding in the Bird Island of Qinghai Lake. Genetic studies by HKU have found that H5N1 found in Qinghai Lake is related to South China (HK and Fujian), not related to Thailand and Vietnam. So if the outbreak is caused by wild bird from South China, I would suspect the Herons and the Cormorants.
To that, I urge you to weigh the risk and act accordingly.
HF Cheung
各位觀鳥會會友：
有關禽流感的新聞仍會陸續出現。雖然我知道不少鳥友都不怕禽流感，但是目前人 人都為這病而徨恐不安，因此我促請大家要保護自己。如果本港有鳥友染上禽流感 ，對本會的打擊真是不勘設想。
去年冬季，本港在十一、十二和一月都在死去的野鳥（蒼鷺）身上發現H5N1病毒。 雖然目前米埔似乎頗為安全，但是比起其他地方仍有較高的風險。最重要的是當地 的教育中心，那裡聚集了大量鸕鶿和野生水鳥，也有人工飼養的水禽，一起從相同 的盤中取食。我相信如果其中一隻鳥帶有病毒，便很容易引起禽流感大爆發。
鸕鶿是在青海鳥島繁殖的主要鳥種。香港大學的基因研究發現：清海湖出現的H5N1 病毒和華南地區（香港及福建）找到的相近，而和泰國越南找到的沒有關連。我想 如果在青海爆發的禽流感來自華南，那麼鷺鳥和鸕鶿的嫌疑便最大。
有見及此，我促請大家小心衡量風險，三思而後行。
張浩輝
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| « Last Edit: Nov 1st, 2005, 10:43pm by Webcreeper » |
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gjcarey
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Re: Should Mai Po be closed? 應否關閉米埔自然保�
« Reply #1 on: Nov 2nd, 2005, 3:08pm » |
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I think this post needs a little comment.
Firstly, it is extremely difficult for humans to contract Avian Influenza from wild birds. There is no known case of this happening. The contact that we as birdwatchers have with wild birds (and I exclude people who trap wild birds) is not close. Humans have close contact with poultry, not wild birds, and this is the important issue. It is the transport, treatment and trade of poultry and wild birds (both legal and illegal) that really needs to be controlled.
Out of approximately 7000 samples taken from wetland associated species in Hong Kong last winter, only four of these tested positive for H5N1, and none of these positive tests came from live birds. They all concerned dead ardeids.
I agree that there is a somewhat higher risk at Mai Po, where large numbers of waterfowl are present, than there is at Sha Tin or Tai Po Kau, for example. However, we need to retain a realistic perspective on what the actual risk is.
Secondly, there is no captive waterfowl collection at Mai Po anymore. This was disbanded a few years ago. It is the case that artificial feeding is provided for wild ducks, but it is a open to debate whether this increases the risk of disease given that waterbirds are, by their nature, flocking species that forage in large groups. Further, the area is closed to the public at present, and by attracting a limited number of birds to a single small area, it makes taking samples for testing much easier!
Thirdly, testing of the Qinghai strain of H5N1 has indicated it originated from poultry (not wild birds) in south China. There is, of course, a possibility that cormorants transmitted the virus to or from south China. However, there is no proof yet that cormorants even carry the virus (despite testing in HK last winter). Similarly, there is also the perhaps greater possibility that it was transported poultry that was involved in the transmission, though, again, no evidence. It should also be noted that the most numerous breeding species, and the species most affected by H5N1 at Qinghai Lake (Brown-headed and Pallas's Gull, and Bar-headed Goose) all winter in India, and there is a ringing recovery of a Great Cormorant in northeast India of a bird ringed on the breeding grounds at Qinghai Lake.
The results of past winters' testing in HK also indicates that there is very little risk. The current situation in HK is being monitored by HKU and AFCD, and we can respond to any significant findings as they arise. It is important at this time, when we know there is no risk, that we continue to go out birdwatching to Mai Po or wherever, and send positive signals regarding wild birds.
My main point is that there is absolutely no need to panic about catching AI from wild birds. As birdwatchers, we know that our contact with them is remote and not a risk. Appropriate common sense precautions should one come into physical contact with birds or their faeces are sufficient. I realise that Ho Fai is not suggesting this, but t is certainly not the time to consider whether or not we should be out birdwatching.
For excellent updated information on wild birds and AI, see:
http://www.wetlands.org/IWC/Avianflu/default.htm
Geoff Carey
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Webcreeper
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Re: Should Mai Po be closed? 應否關閉米埔自然保�
« Reply #3 on: Nov 2nd, 2005, 11:21pm » |
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我對浩輝留言的意見：
第一：人類很難從野鳥身上染上禽流感，和人有親密接觸的是家禽，不是野鳥。在 去年冬季的約七千個本港濕地鳥類樣本之中，只有四個對H5N1呈陽性反應，而且全 部都來自己死的鷺鳥。我們要從實際的角度去評估米埔的風險。
第二：米埔在幾年前已停止人工飼養水禽。水鳥天生喜愛群集，在米埔餵飼水鳥並 不一定會提高風險，而且該處目前已經封閉，餵食反而會令取樣和測試更加方便！
第三：測試顯示青海的H5N1病毒來自華南的家禽而並非候鳥，究竟病毒是由候鳥還 是家禽帶去青海，兩個說法都沒有事實根據。還有，在青海繁殖數目最多和受禽流 感感染最大的鳥種都在印度過冬。
去年在本港的測試顯示禽流感的風險很低，港大和漁護署正在監察情況，一有異狀 便會馬上反應。既然觀鳥沒有風險，我們更應在當前這個非常時期繼續到米埔或其 他地方觀鳥，向大眾提供一個有關野鳥的正面信息。
我要說的重點是：大家根本無須為禽流感驚惶失措。鳥友和野鳥會保持距離，染病風險極低，如果真的接觸到野鳥或牠們的糞便，只需適當地做一點預防措施便已足夠。我認為目前還未是要考慮是否停止出外觀鳥的時候，我知道浩輝的看法也是一樣。
以下的網站有極好的最新禽流感消息： http://www.wetlands.org/IWC/Avianflu/default.htm
賈知行
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HF_Cheung
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I love bird watching!
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Re: Should Mai Po be closed? 應否關閉米埔自然保? size=
« Reply #4 on: Nov 3rd, 2005, 4:31pm » |
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I want members to be aware of the problem, if any. To me, I think continue monitoring in Mai Po is important. For example, my ringing in Mai Po will continue.
To give you more information, I quote Dr. Hugh Buck letter (found in the WWF China bulletin board) quoting information on Avian Flu (including all strains, I think):
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In Dr Delogu's study he sampled 21000 wild birds of 88 species, 22 families and 12 orders. He found evidence of virus as follows (percentage of birds sampled):
Anseriformes 15.2%
Charadriformes 2.2%
Passeriformes 2.9%
It is interesting to note the species breakdown in "anseriformes" (% of species sampled positive for virus)
Mallards 63.9%
Other dabbling ducks 31.4%
Diving Ducks 22-8%
Coots 7.1%
In addition virus was demonstrated at a much higher level in post breeding juvenile ducks that in wintering birds which is perhaps to be expected. There was also a higher percentage in birds released from captive rearing than from birds collected from the wild.
Mauro also specifically sampled other groups eg
Terns 3.6% positive in 140 birds sampled
Gulls 18.8% positive in 101birds sampled
Pheasant Zero positive from 424 birds (both wild and domestically reared)
Quail Zero positive from 258 birds trapped from the wild
Finally the virus is shed by birds' faeces in addition to other modes (eg respiratory).
""
It seems a good idea to clean our shoes after walking in Mai Po.
HF Cheung
我希望會員覺察到有關問題（如有的話）。我認為繼續監察米埔的情況是重要的， 例如我會繼續在那裡做鳥類環誌工作。
讓我引用Dr Hugh Buck 的信件（來自 自世界自然基金會中國網站自然論壇 ）中的禽流感資料（相信應該包含了所有毒株）：
“Dr Delogu 檢查了21000個野鳥樣本，包括12 目、22科和88種，發現帶病毒的百分比如下：
雁形目 15.2%
[行鳥]形目 2.2%
雀形目 2.9%
值得留意的是雁形目之下的分佈
綠頭鴨 63.9%
其他淺水鴨 31.4%
潛鴨 22.8%
白骨頂 7.1%
還有，繁殖期過後的未成年鴨帶病毒的比例，比過冬的鳥要高得多，那是意料中事 。另外，由人圈養後放飛的鳥帶病毒的比率，比野生的鳥要高。
Mauro 又特別對其他鳥種抽樣，例如：
燕鷗 140隻之中有3.6%有陽性結果
鷗類 101隻之中有18.8%有陽性結果
鴙 424隻之中都沒有陽性結果（包括人工飼養和野生的）
鶉 258隻之中都沒有陽性結果（全部從野外捕得）
最後，病毒會從鳥糞和其他方式釋出（例如呼吸）。”
我想大家在米埔活動之後應該清潔雙鞋。
張浩輝
W 中譯
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| « Last Edit: Nov 3rd, 2005, 10:30pm by Webcreeper » |
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gjcarey
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Re: Should Mai Po be closed? 應否關閉米埔自然保? size=
« Reply #5 on: Nov 4th, 2005, 11:24am » |
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What is interesting is that ducks form a sizeable proportion of the birds that have previously tested positive for various forms of Avian Influenza, yet in this particular H5N1 series of outbreaks, there appear to be relatively few.
I fear we face an uphill battle in persuading govt and the public about the safety of wild birds and birdwatching. Already signs of panic are evident. At Palm Springs residential estate, the management has decided to cut down fruit from trees and 'remove excessive branches' from trees! This is ill-informed alarmism, but there appears to be no interest on their part in rational debate.
Geoff
值得留意的是：在以前多種禽流感測試的陽性結果中，鴨類都佔有相當比重，但是在最近連串的H5N1爆發之中，鴨類佔的比例卻似乎較小。
要說服政府和公眾，令他們相信野鳥和觀鳥沒有危險，恐怕很難辦到。很明顯人們 已經開始張皇失措，加州花園的管業處已經決定要將樹上的果實取下，將“多餘的 樹枝”截去！那是無知兼神經過敏，但是他們似乎已經沒興趣和你討論是否合理了 。
賈知行
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Little Dolphin
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Re: Should Mai Po be closed? 應否關閉米埔自然保? size=
« Reply #6 on: Nov 4th, 2005, 2:15pm » |
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Dear all,
May I say that I agree with Mr Carey that it is highly improbable to get infected by bird flu from watching wild birds, but then, I also agree with our Chairman Dr Cheung that we should always be careful when doing anything with birds, indeed all wildlife, for they always have the capability to transmit pathogens to humans, however remote the possibility is. The process can also happen the other way around.
Up till now, there's still not sufficient evidence to conclude if migratory waterfowls are spreading H5N1, or the poultry and bird trade have been doing this, but I doubt this debate will change the outcome by any means, or we will ever find an answer to the above question. Whether the virus is spread by migrating Anseriform birds or by humans smuggling birds around, millions of chickens will continuously be infected and culled, some people in SE Asia will get the disease and die, people will still be suspecious towards wild birds, and the virus will sooner or later become H5N1 human influenza and sweep across the globe as if the Grim Reaper unleashes its true wrath on humanity for our sins against Nature and Earth. The best thing we can do is perhaps stay calm, go on with our lives as usual (working, shopping, birding, ...), be ever cautious, and hope for the best.
What I am concerned now besides the looming pandemic is the public's rising hostility towards birds. From my own observations, some people do have the misconception that in a pandemic, people will continually get H5N1 from wild birds (easily), then pass it to others. Or perhaps they're skeptical of wild birds just purely because they can give us deadly diseases. Or maybe the widespread media coverage of H5N1 these days fueled their anxiety. Indeed, I don't expect the public will act rationally towards a disease that can spread en masse and cause acute respiratory failure and death within 2 days of symptom onset. However, I am confident that with the proper education and public promotion of the true nature of birds and avian flu, the current mass panic can be eased, or at least stop people from doing stupid things that hurt our feathered friends. As long as our government makes wise, rational and well informed decisions on this issue, harms to wild birds can be kept to a minimum, if any. I guess it is up to us birders now to help the public in establishing correct attitutes towards birds and wildlife in general.
We named ourselves 'wise man' with the Latin words 'Homo sapiens'. Let us prove we are indeed a wise species.
May mankind live in harmony with Nature for ever and ever. Happy birding.
A novice birder,
Rex Au Yeung (Little Dolphin) 
各位：
我同意賈先生所說，因為觀鳥而染上禽流感的機會微乎其微，但是我也認同意張主席的主張，要小心和雀鳥相處，因為無論機會有多小，鳥類和一切野生動物都可能將疾病傳給人類，而人類也可能將疾病傳給野生動物。
究竟H5N1是由候鳥還是人為傳播，由於目前還缺乏證據，相信再討論下去都不會影響事情的發展，或許我們永遠也不會知道實情。是候鳥遷徙也好，是人類走私也好，無數的雞會因染病而被屠宰，東南亞會有人染病死亡，人們仍舊會對野鳥存有戒心，病毒遲早變種成為H5N1人流感席捲全球，死神會因應人類對自然和大地犯下的罪而大開殺誡。我們最好還是保持冷靜，如常生活（上班、購物、觀鳥…），時刻保持警覺，期待明天會更好。
除了快將來臨的大流行之外，我還為公眾敵視野鳥的態度而憂心。我留意到有些人抱著一個錯誤的見解，以為如果流感大流行，人們會不斷從野鳥處染上H5N1，然後在人群中傳播開去。或者他們只是因為致命的疾病而對野鳥起疑心，又或許傳媒的廣泛報導加重了他們的不安。誠然，對於一種會在發病兩天之內致命的傳染病，公眾又怎麼能夠保持理性呢？儘管如此，我相信藉著適當的宣傳和教育，讓公眾了解野鳥和禽流感的真相，可以紓緩目前人們的不安情緒，最少也可以防止他們做出傷害野鳥的蠢事。
如果我們的政府能夠集思廣益，本著理性和智慧行事，便可以減少對野鳥的傷害。 身為鳥友，我們現在有責任幫助公眾建立正確的態度，適當地對待雀鳥和其他野生 生物。
既然我們給自己起了「智人」這個拉丁學名，我們就應該以行動來證明我們真正是 有「智」
之「人」。
但願人與自然能夠永久長存。祝
觀鳥快樂！
觀鳥新丁
Rex Au Yeung (Little Dolphin)
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Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
--- John Donne (1572-1631)
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Bob Thompson
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Re: Should Mai Po be closed? 應否關閉米埔自然保?
« Reply #7 on: Nov 4th, 2005, 3:52pm » |
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on Nov 4th, 2005, 2:15pm, little_dolphin wrote:
We named ourselves 'wise man' with the Latin words 'Homo sapiens'. Let us prove we are indeed a wise species.
May mankind live in harmony with Nature for ever and ever. Happy birding.
A novice birder,
Rex Au Yeung (Little Dolphin) |
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Well said Rex and lets all help the HKBWS to be proactive in educating the Hong Kong public
Rex 兄說得好，讓我們替觀鳥會出力，主動教育香港的大眾。
W 中譯
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| « Last Edit: Nov 5th, 2005, 12:57am by Webcreeper » |
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