The import of day-old chicks will resume as soon as possible, and Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department staff may visit Mainland farms next week.

Responding to poultry farmers' request for the early resumption today, the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau said in principle, importation of day-old chicks could have been resumed as early as April 20, the same day as live chickens were imported on a pilot basis.

But the Mainland market is facing a similar shortage in the supply of day-old chicks as production was temporarily suspended during the avian influenza outbreak. Time is needed for Mainland hatcheries to resume production to normal levels.

Agreement has been reached with Mainland authorities on the inspection and quarantine requirements for imported day-old chicks.

The bureau reiterated that close liaison with the Mainland will continue and called on poultry farmers to remain calm and rational.