Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow urges the live poultry sector, particularly chicken farmers, to continue compensation discussions with the Government in a rational and pragmatic manner.

Dr Chow said on radio programmes today chicken farms can receive up to $17 million. The offer for transport operators with wholesale market parking permits has risen to $170,000 while that for wholesalers has grown three-fold.

Retailers who decide to continue operation will be required to implement the poultry overnight stocking ban and will not be given business compensation if avian flu occurs. They will only get some payment for chickens culled then.

Dr Chow said discussions with the retail sector are almost finished and it will decide whether to accept the business-termination compensation today.

On compensation calls by chicken feed and day-old chick operators, he said the Government will study the situation. But he said they have not been included as their businesses may involve other products.

Sale resumption

For the live poultry sale resumption on July 2 Dr Chow said so far 12 markets can be delisted from the infected areas after inspection. He understood about 100 chicken stalls will resume business and the Government will closely monitor sales.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will contact all stall owners and ask the trade to help ensure stalls comply with hygiene conditions.

Health inspectors will check stalls about 8pm everyday to ensure all live chickens are culled and properly stored or sold by that time.

He suggests chicken farmers observe the market situation in deciding whether to accept business-termination compensation.

Dr Chow said Mainland authorities have been informed of Hong Kong's situation. He believed Mainland chicken supply will be adjusted given market uncertainties in the city.