The ceiling on daily imports of live mainland chickens will be lifted for three days, June 8 to 10,to meet the surge in demand during the Tuen Ng, or Dragon Boat, Festival, the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau said Monday.

The decision was made after assessing the market situation and securing co-operation from the trade, the bureau said. Consensus has also been reached with mainland authorities.

The lift is being made only after securing the commitment of the trade that public health conditions will be strictly observed and there will be no overstocking of live birds. The government will closely monitor the situation. If the tradeviolates or fails to observe the conditions, it will not consider relaxing the quota again.

It may cancel the lift if the threat of avian influenza arises.

To minimize the risk of an outbreak at wholesale and retail outlets, days following the festive period will be strictly observed.

Source: Xinhua