Comprehensive preventative measures must be taken if the spread of bird flu is to be avoided. Poultry farms should be located well away from residential areas, live poultry markets, main traffic thoroughfares, farms with other types of livestock and similar facilities. Fertilized eggs and live poultry should not be taken from epidemic-hit areas and introduced into other areas. Any vehicular traffic and the surroundings of the farms, hatcheries, brooding rooms, incubators, cages and equipment, workers' clothes and footwear should all be properly sterilized. Adopt an 'all-in/all-out' approach of flock management by putting an end to contact between wild fowl and domesticated birds. Establish a controlled route for personnel to enter and leave the premises to facilitate thorough cleansing and disinfection of both them and their equipment. All outsiders should be strictly prohibited from making any unnecessary visits. Immunization by vaccination should be given in HPAI-threatened areas under the guidance of the local veterinary health administration. Regular serological surveillance should be conducted to quality assure the reliability of the vaccine.

(China.org.cn February 13, 2004)