The live chicken import level of 30,000 will be maintained until the Government evaluates the situation, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong says.

He said the regional bird flu outbreak is alarming to both the global and local communities, and more vigorous quarantine measures have been adopted.

While Mainland and Hong Kong authorities will review these new measures, the trade has been told that past practices cannot continue if there are live chickens sold in the city, he said.

The Government has proposed to reduce the density of poultry stalls in markets to improve hygiene.

"So as such, we have to have a reduction in the number of stalls. Obviously the number of chickens in the markets cannot be increased," Dr Yeoh said, adding that the number of chickens to be supplied to the markets will depend on the physical re-engineering exercise.