Poultry sales should be halted every seven to 10 days instead of once a month to stem the spread of bird flu, a microbiologist said yesterday.
The call came a day after 18,000 chickens were culled at a farm in Yuen Long, outside the Government's quarantine area. About 860,000 birds have been slaughtered to prevent the spread of the disease since the outbreak began on February 1.
Dr Samson Wong Sai-yin, assistant professor at Hong Kong University's department of microbiology, said the current monthly 'rest day' for poultry outlets, during which unsold birds are slaughtered and stalls disinfected, was not enough to break the cycle of the virus' spread, and extra rest days were necessary.
'Cleaning the outlets every seven to 10 days - [about] three times a month - will get rid of any infected chickens and ensure a clean environment before the virus finds its footing and begins to spread,' he said.
Dr Wong also said tighter controls were needed for poultry farms to reduce the risk of infection at source. Owners are to hold talks with the Government this week on possible new prevention measures.
'Access to the farms should be restricted to those working at the farms and carrying entry permits. In addition, they should have all their vehicles and equipment sterilised before entering the farms,' he said.
