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AFCD's response to newspaper report
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     Regarding the report in a newspaper today (June 18) that local farms put the untested chickens on the market, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) gave the following response:

     The AFCD maintains a detailed record of all chickens, including day-old chick, broilers and breeders, raised by local farms. Farm operators are also requested to keep a comprehensive record covering the number of day-old chicks purchased, abnormal chicken deaths and the number of chickens sold, for staff of the AFCD to inspect during their visit to the farm that will be conducted at least once a week. Through regular counting, and cross-checking the sales and transportation records of chickens, staff of the AFCD would ensure the chickens sold have been tested.

     Before the chickens are put on the market, staff of the AFCD will visit the farm and check on site the health condition and the number of the chickens in the relevant batches. Blood samples will also be taken for avian influenza testing. Test certificate and poultry transportation authorisation will be issued to batches that have passed the test.

     The AFCD will investigate into cases where the number of chickens in the farm does not tally with the records. Farms concerned must stop selling chickens during the investigation. Livestock Keeping Licence can be revoked if the licensee is found to have transported chickens out of the farm without permission.

Ends/Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 22:07

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