The Government today put into effect new measures in its efforts to prevent the spread of avian flu, following the discovery of the virus among poultry in four Hong Kong markets.

The Avian Flu Task Force announced at a press conference today that if poultry in a stall or a wet market is tested positive for the H5 virus, the stall or market will be suspended from doing business for seven days. All live poultry in that stall or market will be culled.

The sales ban could be extended to 21 days if the health authorities deemed it necessary.

But if approved by the health authorities, the involved stall or market could sell poultry slaughtered in abattoirs.

Vendors and staff of the stall or market will then be kept under medical surveillance during these seven days.

The Task Force would collect more samples at wet markets and all poultry sales points, step up efforts to fight poultry smuggling and enhance surveillance of wild birds.

The authorities would also carry out exercises at the poultry wholesale market, to enhance promotion on prevention and work closely with their counterparts in Hong Kong and neighboring regions.