The Agriculture Ministry released a new draft plan on Feb 20 that aims to root out the H7N9 virus in the poultry industry, and it is soliciting opinions before it takes effect.

The draft says live poultry that is sold at a market should be slaughtered before the customer can take it home.

Live birds cannot be kept overnight at the markets, nor can they be transported back to the poultry farms.

The requirement is meant to cut down on disease transmission.

Once a sample tests positive for the virus, local government should halt sales of live poultry in that market. Trading can be resumed only after thorough disinfection for 21 days and approval by authorities.

The draft, posted on the Ministry of Agriculture's website, asks local branches of animal husbandry and veterinary sectors to submit comments before Feb 24.

Since 2013, 347 human H7N9 cases have been reported across the country, including 109 deaths, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

It is estimated that losses in domestic poultry sector could be 20 billion yuan ($3.3 billion) due to this year's viral outbreak, the China Animal Agriculture Association said.

Contact the writer [email protected]