Senior officials from the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) made a site visit to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Conghua Training Centre (CTC) and Sha Tin Racecourse from 19-21 March.

The DAWR officials met with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the Hong Kong SAR to obtain an overview of CTC facilities and operations within the Equine Disease Free Zone (EDFZ), including an understanding of the governance structure of the veterinary authorities of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

Officials also visited the stable complex at Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses to obtain an understanding of Hong Kong racing and quarantine operations, including the importance of international racing and the development of equestrian sports.

DAWR and AFCD officials reported that these preliminary discussions and ongoing exchange of information, including the development of action plans for risk assessment procedures and the liaison between the AFCD and Chinese Mainland veterinary authorities, were very positive.