November 18, 2005

China bans unauthorised research on bird flu

China has forbidden all institutions from conducting scientific research on bird flu if they have not been authorised to do so, announced the country's Ministry of Science and Technology.

Institutions can no longer carry out studies on the highly pathogenic virus or collect, transport and harbour virus strains, the ministry said.

Institutions and individuals are also not allowed from introducing foreign virus strains to China or transporting Chinese samples abroad.

Meanwhile, local science authorities will focus on researches on bird flu vaccines and medicines for human infections, while monitoring migratory birds and helping outbreak areas check the virus spread.