The central authorities have required all localities to strengthen preventive efforts against the possible outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, or bird flu, during the autumn and winter. 

According to a circular recently issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, poultry should be immunized more strictly in key areas and quarantined before and after butchering.     

"Sterilization work should also be carefully done to remove all potential build-ups. Farms, slaughterhouses, markets, refrigerator warehouses and transport tools should be disinfected," it says.

"Since the autumn and winter period is a key period for birds to migrate, the bird flu is quite likely to break at any time," warns the circular, which cites the ongoing highly pathogenic bird flu in some Asian countries as a threat to China.

"Various localities of the country must understand the current situation and increase their sense of responsibility in preventing the highly pathogenic bird flu," it says

It also requires all related authorities to substantively enhance coordination so as to form a united power.

"Authorities should also prepare and improve their emergency plans and get ready vaccine and sterilizing drugs," says the circular.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2004)