Premier Wen Jiabao presided over an executive meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, on Wednesday to analyze and step up bird flu prevention and control.

The premier said local authorities in affected areas have taken the necessary measures.

He urged various localities to be vigilant particularly in relation to preventing the spread of the virus and human infections.

12 key measures were adopted at the meeting. Among other things, the measures outline the duty of local authorities to perfect their systems of monitoring, forecasting and reporting infections, and to take harsh legal actions against those who are slow to report or deliberately cover up outbreaks.

It was also decided at the meeting that the central government will allocate two billion yuan (US$25 million) from this year's central budget to a bird flu prevention and control fund, and set up a national control center to oversee prevention and control work.

It was highlighted during the meeting that China will continue to cooperate with international organizations, making timely reports to the relevant governments and bodies.

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2005)