November 21, 2005

China's Macao steps up bird flu surveillance

Macao has recently stepped up its surveillance for bird flu by carrying out scans for body temperature at all border checkpoints.

Local authorities would also monitor the body temperature of all Macao residents and visitors, including travellers arriving at the Macao-Zhuhai Barrier Gate.

The systems would automatically read the body temperature of all travellers at the checkpoints. Anyone found with temperatures over 34 to 35 deg C would be re-checked and possibly required to go for further health checks at a local hospital.

Also, any travellers suspected of showing H5N1 bird flu symptoms would be banned from leaving Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

Meanwhile, an official said no restrictions were put on poultry imports yet in Macao. However, local authorities would continue to closely monitor the bird flu situation in other parts of China.