May 4, 2009

China will tighten animal epidemic monitoring with regards to the global influenza A (H1N1) outbreak, said the country's Vice Premier Hui Liangyu during his visit to central Hubei province.

Besides strict monitoring, the government would enhance animal immunity measures, he said.

Hui added that the prevention against the new flu virus was important for China's livestock and farm produce market as they were struggling amid the global economic downturn. He said the government would implement all support policies for pig farming to prevent pork prices from falling too much.

In order to reduce misunderstanding about the new flu virus, Hui has informed the relevant government departments to educate the public that the H1N1 virus is not spread through consuming pork or pork products.

The H1N1 virus, which contains DNA from avian, swine and human viruses, is spreading among the human population and the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its threat level to Phase 5, a level before a pandemic is declared.

China confirmed its first case in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Friday (May 1) but the mainland has not reported any case yet.

China's Health Ministry has included the H1N1 virus on the same epidemic list with SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), HIV and viral hepatitis.

The ministry has also raised the prevention and control measures to the same level as more serious epidemics such as cholera.