Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow has no plan to lower the 85% retail trader participation target for launching the live poultry trade buyout scheme.

Dr Chow told the media today the percentage was proposed by the trade in negotiations for ex-gratia payments for poultry retailers to terminate their businesses, so it remains the Government's target.

He said if most traders prefer to stay in business the policy of banning the keeping of live chickens in wet markets overnight will continue. The policy is feasible and has been successful in the past two to three weeks, maintaining a constant live chicken supply and a stable chicken price.

Dr Chow reiterated the segregation of people from chickens is the Government's long-term goal.