Further discussions between the Government and the live poultry trade will be conducted if necessary to develop relief measures and financial assistance for the industry while the live poultry import ban is in force.

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said the Government is willing to talk with live poultry operators who wish to cease business, and see what special assistance they need.

"To address concern that during the interim period in which there would be no importation of day-old chickens, we encourage local farmers to consider the importation of fertile eggs and the development of local hatcheries," Dr Yeoh said.

"We will provide whatever assistance is needed to facilitate and encourage this new activity. We are aware there may be a need to provide further financial assistance such as low interest loans to live poultry operators to tide them over this difficult period or to assist them to change to a new trade."

Dr Yeoh said the trade's present mode of operation is no longer sustainable. He made particular reference to retail outlets where the public has contact with live poultry, and said the Government firmly believes segregating humans from live birds can better prevent human H5N1 infection.

He said it is also necessary to further upgrade biosecurity standards at our farms.

Both public and trade interests considered

Dr Yeoh said the Government's first priority is to protect public health and ensure food safety.

"We must take into consideration the overall public interest of Hong Kong and strike a proper balance between public health considerations and the need to cater for the needs of the poultry trade," he said.

"To protect public health, we are unable to resume importation of live poultry from the Mainland in the near future."

Dr Yeoh said World Health Organisation experts have agreed it is prudent for Hong Kong to be cautious.

The Government understands the World Organisation for Animal Health is considering whether the existing guideline on the restriction for the import of poultry products from infected countries should be changed from 21 days to three months.