Some chicken farm operators have expressed an interest in obtaining low-interest Government loans to develop hatcheries themselves.

If local hatcheries are to be set up, it would take seven to 10 weeks to enable the supply of day-old chickens, said the Director of the Agricutlure, Fisheries & Conservation Department.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Thomas Chan said if the Government develops hatcheries, it would need to invest about $4 million.

Mr Chan reiterated that the Government is not supposed to intervene in hatching operations. But since it has suspended the import of live poultry, it is obliged to help the industry get through this difficult period.

He added that even after the import ban is lifted, the hatcheries would still be commercially viable. The industry can take the opportunity to produce a local brand of live chicken.

He reiterated that the Government cannot assess the development of avian flu in the region, but the conservative estimate is that the import of live poultry might not resume for six to 12 months.

HK's unique situation requires extra caution

Responding to criticisms that the conditions for lifting the ban considered by the Government are stricter than that of the World Health Organisation, he said they must take extra care to safeguard citizens in accordance with Hong Kong's unique conditions, which include a highly dense population and low segregation between humans and live poultry.

The avian flu that is hitting the region is not the same as the one that occurred in Hong Kong before. This time, human beings are also affected.

On another radio programme this morning, Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Director Gregory Leung said that once the avian flu is stabilised in the region, the Government would consider resuming the import of chilled and frozen chicken.

About 2 million live chicken are being stocked in local farms, and the supply can last only until late April.