We have designated an area within a three-kilometer radius of the HPAI affected locality as an affected zone, since poultry within those limits are the most susceptible to infection. To be sure of eradicating an HPAI epidemic completely and absolutely, it is essential to have the poultry flocks at the affected site and all those within a 3-km radius wiped out in their entirety. This will facilitate the containment of the infected poultry and prevent the transmission of pathogens in poultry droppings, contaminated water etc. This is the most effective means of containing a lethally infectious disease and is current practice worldwide.

(China.org.cn February 13, 2004)