November 11, 2005

China's Jilin bans poultry raising in urban areas

China's Changchun city, capital of the north-eastern province of Jilin, has banned poultry raising in urban areas as a precaution against bird flu, local authorities said.

All poultry in suburban areas should also be vaccinated against bird flu, according to an official.

Changchun authorities recently closed all local poultry markets in a bid to prevent spread of the disease, and have set aside RMB5 million (about US$620,000) for emergency treatment. 

Meanwhile, animal inspections and quarantines were carried out at Longjia airport and Changchun railway station, and checkpoints were set up at entry points of city highways.