Poultry wholesalers have called off a strike after a meeting with the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today.

Live chickens from local farms will be transported to Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Market tonight for distribution to retail outlets tomorrow.

The department allowed 500 chickens to be sold directly to retailers without going through wholesalers this morning.

However, Assistant Director Lai Ching-wai said before the chickens were taken out, blood tests were conducted. Staff also disinfected chicken cages and checked the birds' health.

Mr Lai said the department has the discretionary power to change the farm licensing conditions which stipulate no direct sale from farms to retail outlets. However, this power is exercised scrupulously.