Given the public health concerns, we are proceeding with full speed in drafting legislation to ban household poultry keeping. We are of the view that such stringent measures are well justified.

He is an urban resident, he had no contact with farms or any poultry from the villages. His only exposure is the wet markets, which has poultry which are supposedly safe for consumption and safe for the public.

Whatever concerns health is of real public interest.

With all the measures we have taken and all measures we propose, most likely we have adequate measures and the H5N1 virus only has limited transmission to poultry and to humans.

[The fishmongers] have the right [to suspend sales], but I hope they will think it over. Sentimental action will not solve the problem.

China has agreed to more stringent screening and testing of fish sold to Hong Kong,