To prevent a recurrence of avian influenza, Shanghai will suspend live poultry trading from January 31, the first day of the Chinese New Year, to April 30 this year, city media reported. The suspension will be enforced annually during this period for the next five years, depending on the assessments of the risk and the seasonal prevalence of avian influenza, according to a statement issued by the Shanghai Municipal Agricultural Commission and the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.

In April last year, all of Shanghai's live poultry markets were shut down after 43 people died of the H7N9 avian influenza in China. The ban was lifted in June and about 110 poultry markets reopened.

What do Shanghai expats think about the suspension of live poultry trading? Did they ever buy live poultry from wet markets? Are they afraid of a new H7N9 avian influenza outbreak?

Emily Campbell, from Canada, PR assistant

"I am happy that this measure has been taken to prevent another outbreak of the avian influenza in the city. I know that traditionally Chinese people prefer to buy live poultry and it will probably take them some time to adjust their preferences but shutting down the live markets is for the good of all the residents in the city.

Personally I never bought live chickens from the wet markets but I know a lot of my expat friends did. They tried to convince me to do it a couple of times but I just couldn't get myself through the whole ordeal. For me frozen chicken is just as good.

I am quite worried about the recurrence of the avian influenza in the city, especially after hearing the news of a H7N9 incident in Hong Kong."

Adam Muller, from Germany, project manager

"I am hoping that the live poultry ban will be effective. A lot of my local friends only buy live chickens as they think it is fresher and tastier. I agree with them but unfortunately it's not safe anymore. I used to love buying fresh chicken myself, especially now that it's almost impossible to do this back in Europe. But after the avian influenza outbreak buying chilled chicken is a much safer option. Hopefully the live poultry trade will gradually be phased out.

The only thing I keep thinking about are the people who are involved in the poultry industry. What is going to happen to them? Will they be given any payouts? What is going to happen to their businesses? These are questions that the city authorities will need to consider before banning the live poultry trade in the city completely."

Greg Jordan, from the UK, teacher

"Closing down live poultry markets is definitely a good idea if there is a possibility of another avian influenza outbreak. I must admit that I am a bit worried about another outbreak in the city. But I am glad that the government provides full transparency on the spread of H7N9 and keeps the public well-informed. We are getting real-time information on the influenza since the day the first case was confirmed and that makes me feel a little bit more secure.

I used to buy live poultry from the wet markets when I first moved to Shanghai few years ago. I understand why Chinese customers prefer live poultry over the chilled sort. The meat is so much fresher and tastier. It's a shame really that we won't have the opportunity to buy fresh meat but we all need to adjust in order to protect our health.

I hope that the city authorities are taking the necessary measures to protect us from another outbreak like the one we saw last year, which really scared most of us living in Shanghai. I believe that the shutting down of the live poultry trade in the city will help just a little bit and will protect us from another bird flu disaster."