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A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 4) reminded members of the public and operators of poultry retail outlets that tomorrow will be the first Rest Day for all poultry stalls and fresh provision shops for this month.

He stressed that it was necessary to advance the Rest Day from February 10 to February 5 following recent outbreaks of avian influenza in neighbouring regions.

The spokesman reiterated that the Rest Day is one of the precautionary measures to protect public health and the decision to advance the rest day was made at a meeting held between government officials, Legislative Councillor Mr Wong Yung-kan and representatives of the poultry industry.

"Operators of poultry retail outlets can continue to sell their live poultry tomorrow morning as the Rest Day will only commence at noon to make way for cleansing and disinfection," he said.

All poultry stall operators must strictly observe the Rest Day conditions. Failure to comply with the Rest Day conditions will lead to immediate cancellation of the fresh provision shop licence or termination of market stall tenancy.

In addition, FEHD have stepped up publicity efforts to educate both the public and the poultry trade on the importance of taking precautionary measures against avian influenza. Posters asking customers to wash hands thoroughly and immediately after purchasing live poultry are displayed at conspicuous spots in fresh provision shops and all FEHD's markets. Handy booklets have also been produced for the easy reference of poultry shop operators in observing protective measures to guard against avian-related diseases.

Ends/Wednesday, February 4, 2004

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