Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow has called on the poultry trade to provide evidence to back its claims the smuggling of fertilised eggs is the cause of the recent avian influenza outbreak.

Dr Chow said today the outbreak source remains unconfirmed and is being investigated, however, the virus has been confirmed as H5N1.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department inspects chicken farms regularly and records the number of chicken breeders, young chicks and fertilised eggs. Preliminary figures show no significant change in the numbers on Hong Kong farms, but as the trade said it is common practice to smuggle eggs, the Government will do more checks in the coming days to ensure the system is complied with.

Dr Chow said the Government has sent a letter reminding the trade to report unlawful activities like smuggling, but no submissions have been received.