The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has suspended live poultry trading after a sample of poultry droppings tested positive for the H7N9 virus yesterday.
The sample was taken from a poultry stall in Yan Oi Market, Tuen Mun, on May 16, under the routine surveillance programme for avian influenza.
The stall sells live chickens and pigeons. There are two poultry stalls in the market. H7N9 was not detected in the other stall.
The department has thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the two stalls. However, in accordance with the contingency plan for the detection of avian influenza, trading of live poultry will be suspended until the virus source is traced.
Chicken supply from local farms has been suspended, along with live poultry imports.
The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will continue with the surveillance and monitoring of local chicken farms.
