Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says the Government will discuss with the poultry trade ways to improve environmental hygiene in retail markets. One suggestion is to slaughter all unsold chickens at the end of each day.

Dr Chow said today the Government is tracing the source of recent bird flu infections in local markets.

"It is always the Government's position we should have central slaughtering of chickens. We will be working very hard on choosing a site. We have also been doing a number of feasibility studies, both on the business side, as well as on the environment."

Dr Chow urged people who have touched chickens sold by the affected stalls to seek treatment immediately if they develop flu symptoms.