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Local authorities step up war against bird flu
By Wang Zhenghua (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-31 05:15
Local authorities across the nation stepped up the war against avian
influenza after three outbreaks and the death of a girl who had pneumonia-like
symptoms in a bird flu-hit area this month.
A Chinese health worker sprays disinfectant
over chickens in cages at a poultry market in Beijing October 30,
2005. [Reuters] |
Increased surveillance on migratory birds has become a priority in many areas
and local officials are setting up checkpoints to keep questionable poultry away
from markets.
In Harbin, capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a pigeon race
was cancelled for fears that the birds might transmit the virus even though an
organizer said homing pigeons could not fly as far as Inner Mongolia, Anhui or
Hunan where outbreaks were reported.
In Shanghai, medical staff are being trained to handle an emergency; vaccine
research has become a key focus; and emergency materials, such as disinfectant
and protective outerwear, are being stockpiled.
In Shenzhen of South China's Guangdong Province, health workers are
distributing brochures which explain the differences between regular and bird
flu and give tips on hygiene.
The Hong Kong government will conduct a drill next month in case of a flu
outbreak. Residential communities, hospitals and even Chief Executive Donald
Tsang will participate, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The three bird flu-stricken areas in Central China's Hunan Province, East
China's Anhui Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of North China
remain closed to outsiders.
Health authorities had confirmed the death of a 12-year-old girl this month
in Hunan after she ate a disease-stricken chicken and caught pneumonia.
The Ministry of Health reported the girl's death to the World Health
Organization on Friday evening.
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