"Despite protests by poultry vendors who fear that the ban will affect their livelihood, the policy will go into effect April 1, and all chicken, geese and ducks should then be slaughtered at licensed abattoirs," Chen said.

But as some complementary measures have yet to be completed, the government will postpone enforcement, originally scheduled for Oct. 1, to between three months to six months later, " he said.

Chen who concurrently serves as convener of a Cabinet bird flu epidemic prevention task force, called a meeting Wednesday to discuss related issues.

Chen explained that preparatory work, such as setting up electric slaughter houses, disinfecting facilities at the abattoirs, and launching a food safety publicity drive, is yet to be completed, and the related government agencies have said that more time is needed before the government begins to impose penalties.

Chen stressed that the threat of bird flu outbreak and human transmission still remains, and the ban on poultry slaughter in public markets will aid disease prevention and enhance food safety.