October 31, 2005

China's Shanghai steps up bird flu inspections on local markets
 

Local authorities in Shanghai said they would step up inspections in local markets, to ensure the ban on the sale of live chickens, ducks, pigeons, and other poultry was followed. The ban was implemented since last October as a precaution against the spread of bird flu.

The Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Administrative Bureau said no local market was allowed to sell live chickens without permission, and those with permits were forbidden to sell other types of poultry.

Any market found selling live chickens without a permit faced a fine of up to RMB10,000 (about US$1,230), while those caught selling other types of poultry could be fined as much as RMB30,000.

So far, only 461 markets in Shanghai were allowed to deal in live poultry.

Although the ban was implemented following a bird flu outbreak in Nanhui district last year, many markets began to ignore the ban after the outbreak was cleared up.

Local authorities said they would closely monitor three major live poultry markets: Sanguantang Fowl and Egg Market in Putuo District, Huhui Market in Songjiang District and Beicai Agricultural Product Trade Center in Pudong New Area.

Markets that were allowed to sell live chickens were also reminded to regularly clean and sterilise stalls and vehicles used to transport the poultry.