Production capacity and inspection and quarantine arrangements are being studied to determine when the supply of day-old chicks from the Mainland can resume, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.

Its officers briefed chicken farmer representatives today that a resumption date will not be determined until the study is complete. They said Hong Kong and Guangdong officials have agreed to reduce the total chicken population in local farms to two million in phases, and to adjust the supply of day-old chicks from Guangdong.

Upon the resumption of live poultry imports from the province on March 26, the supply of day-old chicks can also be resumed in principle, but a specific date requires evaluation.