Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says discussions with Guangdong on resuming live poultry imports will start as soon as possible, adding the daily quantity may be lowered to 20,000 from 30,000 to better control the live chicken population here.

Government department representatives will visit Guangdong next week to see the public health and poultry farm situation there before deciding whether to resume the supply.

He told lawmakers today the total live poultry population has to be cut to reduce the risk of an epidemic outbreak through close contact between humans and a large number of birds. The aim is to contain the maximum licensing capacity in local chicken farms at 2 million.

Meanwhile, the number of live poultry farms as well as wholesale and retail stalls is being reduced to attain the desired target through voluntary surrender schemes.

As at February 28, 71 farmers, 12 wholesalers and one transporter have applied to cease their live poultry operations. The maximum licensing capacity in local chicken farms will be cut by 590,000 birds when the concerned farms cease operations. 

At the retail end, 272 retailers have surrendered their licences or tenancies, representing a decrease of 33% in the total number of retailers.

North District to set up slaughtering plant

On segregation of humans from live poultry, Dr Chow said the Government is exploring the development of a poultry slaughtering plant in the North District. As the plant's development will require legislative amendments and preparatory work, the plant is expected to start operation in 2009 at the earliest.

Dr Chow said about 3,000 operators and workers in the live poultry trade will be affected by the central slaughtering plant, adding the bureau will devise measures to tackle problems the trade faces and the best possible assistance will be offered.