February 27, 2006

China culls 22 million fowls in 2005 to fight bird flu

China culled 22,571,200 fowls in 2005 to combat bird flu, revealed Agriculture Minister Du Qinglin on Feb 25.

Warning the public about a possible massive outbreak of the lethal virus, he said 163,100 fowls were found to be infected with the H5N1 virus last year.

In 2005, China reported 31 bird flu outbreaks in poultry and one outbreak in migratory birds. Du added that although the outbreaks affected 13 provinces and 32 counties, all the outbreaks were effectively controlled and the spread of the virus was contained.

As he warned of another massive bird flu outbreak, he said all agricultural departments will be on high alert. They will also be monitoring the situation consistently with regular diagnosing and reporting. Poultry vaccinating will also be improved.