Live poultry markets reopen in Shanghai
Following a 3-month hiatus to contain the spread of H7N9 avian flu, Shanghai authorities have reopened the city’s live poultry markets.
The markets were closed in an effort to contain the spread of the H7N9 avian flu, which public health officials believe was spreading to humans through contact with infected live birds. The H7N9 outbreak caused more than 130 human infections and at least 38 deaths, in 2014 with almost all of the victims having been exposed to live poultry.
Authorities have stated 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.
Wholesale markets are also ordered to close their businesses one day every week and retail spots one day every other week, for cleaning and sterilisation. It is thought that Shanghai will eventually eliminate live poultry sales completely.
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