COFM and MicroB lecturers have repeatedly told us that the influenza virus undergoes very frequent mutations in the region of Southern China. Simply due to the fact that mixed domestic farming is still very much a common practice there. I once told my friends that I want to study in HKU partly because I will be in the forefront of diseases hence, able to receive and learn first hand knowledge which can be very exciting.
Not too long ago, the authorities determined a carcinogenic substance in fresh water fish imported from China. Imports were stopped to prevent further contact. Just today, sea water fish is also affected with the same carcinogenic substance. Actually, I am rather puzzled by the fact that there is this sudden outburst. I am not sure if the tests have become very stringent or perhaps the criteria and regulation has become stricter or is it really a sudden discovery.
What about all the fish that were taken in before this fiasco? Really puzzles me.
What is even more worrying is that the press actually discovered the list of approved fish farms released recently by the chinese authorities via the HK government to be bogus. Some were contaminated and of poor hygiene conditions while others were simply non-existent. The Secretary of Health in HK apologised for being careless about the list while the chinese authorities prompted that they knew nothing about it until the press told them.
Just a personal opinion. No ill meanings intended.
