The Government today announced the slaughter of all chicken in local chicken farms and all poultry at wholesale markets and retail outlets in an attempt to rid the source of influenza A H5N1 virus.

The decision was taken in the light of new evidence surfaced late last night and early this morning.

The move is a proactive step to safeguard public health following the discovery of H5 virus in samples taken from a Yuen Long chicken farm and the sudden death of chicken at a section of Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market. The two places have been declared infected places for animals and birds under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations.

At a press conference, the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, said that the operation would begin tomorrow.

It will cover all chicken farms, mixed poultry farms with chicken, wholesale markets, market stalls and fresh provision shops in the territory.

Mr Ip explained that the extension of the slaughter to all poultry at wholesale markets and retail outlets was necessary because the birds were being kept together and cross-infection could not be ruled out.

The slaughter process will involve a head count of the chicken involved and a recording of the birds to facilitate compensation.

Mr Ip said that funds would be sought urgently from the Finance Committee for the purpose.

On the disposal of the slaughtered birds, Mr Ip emphasised that plastic bags and containers would be used in conveying the disinfected carcasses to the landfills at Tuen Mun, Ta Kwu Ling and Tseung Kwan O.

As an extra precaution against infection, the Municipal Councils and the Housing Department will jointly launch a massive and thorough cleansing exercise at all market stalls after the slaughter, he added.

According to Government records, there are 160 chicken farms and 39 mixed poultry farms.

The number of fresh provision shops and market stalls operating under the two municipal councils are about 430 and 560 respectively.

Also at the press conference, the Director of Health, Dr Margaret Chan said her Department supported the additional precautionary measures to safeguard the health of the community.

"The Department appreciates the concern of the public and will provide health checks for chicken farmers, retailers and poultry workers."

"It will also step up the medical surveillance programme and increase the provision of out-patient services in respect of the avian flu."

Fourteen special centres would be set up in General Out-patient clinics (GOPC) to provide health checks, laboratory tests and drug treatment for chicken farmers, retailers and poultry workers.

They were asked to make use of the service which will start from tomorrow(December 29) and operate between 6 pm to 10 pm every day. Surveillance will also be stepped up among this group of people.

For the community in general, Department of Health would increase the capacity of day and evening GOPCs to cope with the possible rise in public demand for consultations. They can also consult private doctors who can get quick test for Flu A from private laboratories from early January.

Dr Chan stressed that those who have bought live poultry from the market are advised to handle them properly and clean their hands thoroughly after handling the poultry. On the safe side, they should dispose of them if they are in doubt. However, she added that it is safe to eat poultry provided that they are well cooked.

Dr. Chan also stressed that the cluster of cases of human influenza A H5N1 seen in Hong Kong is no indication of an epidemic. According to WHO, there is no need for travel restrictions in Hong Kong or elsewhere in the world.