The three local farms which supply chickens to Po On Road Market and Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market have been confirmed avian flu-free, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Dr Thomas Sit says.

He told reporters today Mainland authorities have confirmed chickens at six Mainland farms are normal. For local retail markets he said tests are underway, with some samples confirmed free of avian flu.

On chickens at Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market Dr Sit said they will be released after tests on all samples are confirmed to be virus free, adding test results may be available tonight.

Assistant Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Chu Lan-ying said the ventilation system at Po On Road Market has been operating smoothly and cleaning will be arranged.

The Food & Health Bureau said Saturday's chicken cull was necessary to safeguard public health and curb the virus spread. Noting the move has affected the live poultry trade, the bureau will consider compensation requests.