As of February 13 it will become illegal to keep poultry in your backyard in Hong Kong, Said Carrie Yau, Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food.
Even the present exemption for families that keep up to 20 chickens (or any poultry) will go. Anyone who breaks the new law will face hefty fines.
Authorities in Hong Kong have stepped up patrols to try to stem the number of chickens that are brought in illegally.
These measures are aimed at reducing the risk of a bird flu (avian flu) outbreak in the area, said Carrie Yau. Yau explained that backyard poultry are more susceptible to bird flu infection.
There will be no compensation for those who have poultry now. Anyone who currently holds poultry in their backyard will have to get rid of them by the 13 February.
Bird flu is gradually spreading around the globe. Since 2003 it has spread as far as Turkey and Cyprus.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today