May 6, 2014

China's Shanghai reopens live poultry markets

China's Shanghai has reversed its January 31, 2014 decision to close down all live poultry markets in a bid to curb the spread of H7N9, as it lifted its ban on sales of live poultry Thursday (May 1).

However, authorities said that before starting business, all 119 trading spots in the city must pass inspections by authorities from agencies involved in hygiene and disease control, animal epidemic prevention, food security and environmental protection.

It was also ordered that wholesale markets are to close their businesses one day every week and retail spots one day every other week, for cleaning and sterilisation.

The city says they will continue supporting chilled poultry sales even though the live-poultry business is back on track. Shanghai will eventually eliminate live poultry sales completely, according to municipal authorities.