China takes new measures against bird flu

cctv.com 02-01-2004 09:26

The confirmation of bird flu outbreaks in Hunan and Hubei Provinces has prompted further measures to stop the spread of the deadly disease. China's first case was found in duck carcasses on a farm in the southern region of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Three other areas, including Shanghai, have also reported suspected outbreaks.

In Dingdang town in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where China's first case of bird flu was reported, quarantine authorities at major entry ports are keeping a watchful eye on goods going in and out of the region. The local Quarantine and Inspection Department has suspended testing, as poultry exports have been temporarily halted.

An import ban has also been imposed on poultry products from infected countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. Meanwhile, all goods and vehicles crossing the countries' China borders are being disinfected. Travelers passing through border checkpoints are having their temperatures measured and luggage disinfected. Local health authorities are busy vaccinating all poultry farm workers to prevent human infection.

In another development, suspected bird flu cases have been reported on a farm in China's economic powerhouse of Shanghai. So far, all fowl within a three-kilometer radius have been slaughtered. Birds being raised within 3-to-5 kilometers of the village have all been vaccinated.

Suspected cases have also emerged in East China's Anhui Province and South China's Guangdong Province. Quarantine authorities in Guangdong are enforcing vaccinations and serum tests on poultry in the region.

The State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has announced a ban on poultry exports from the six regions, where confirmed or suspected bird flu cases have been reported.

In Beijing where no avian influenza cases have been discovered, health inspectors are working to try and keep the virus out of the nation's capital.

Market Manager Chen Jingming said, "During the Lunar New Year we were notified about the chicken flu by the Beijing government. We rapidly implemented a ban on the slaughter of live birds and we have been checking the health status of vendors."

While sales of poultry have already dipped, some customers were still seen buying chickens at poultry market in Beijing on Saturday.

China says there are no known human cases of H5N1 avian influenza at this time. And the situation remains under control. In addition to adopting a series of emergency plans, the Chinese government has also set up a national command centre to battle bird flue with a Vice Premier as the general director.

Editor:Zhang  Source:CCTV.com