November 22, 2005

China steps up anti-bird flu measures at poultry markets

China's Ministry of Agriculture has ordered regional authorities to do everything possible to prevent vendors and consumers at poultry markets from being exposed to the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain.

Monitoring stations with hotlines were required at all poultry markets nationwide. In addition, medical workers would disinfect all vehicles entering and leaving markets, while checking where poultry products came from.

Medical workers were also required to timely report and update monitoring information.

Meanwhile, the government has banned all processing of poultry products inside markets.