The Government assured residents that the poultry on sale in Macao is safe for consumption and that none is imported from the area in the mainland reported to have the H7 avian influenza virus.

The Government would keep in close contact with the neighboring regions and continue to monitor the development of the bird flu and poultry here to safeguard public health, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau said.

The Bureau said it has also learned that the Guangdong authorities have already taken measures to prevent the infection of poultry near the virus-hit farms in Huizhou.

A number of samples of live chicken from Huizhou were tested in Hong Kong to be infected with the H7 avian influenza virus earlier, leading to a 21-day wholesale suspension.

The Bureau said all poultry imported to Macao were from accredited farms in the major supply sources in Doumen, Zhongshan, Shunde and Gaoming, and that they are all tested for the virus.

The Government would continue surveillance of poultry stalls in wet markets, allowing only slaughtered poultry to be put on sale, no live poultry to be kept overnight in the markets, comprehensive sterilisation for stalls every 15 days, and workers who have close contact with live poultry are advised to take free vaccination provided by the Health Bureau.

The Government also reminded the public to observe strict personal and environmental hygiene and avoid direct contact with live poultry.