December 15, 2005

China develops new bird flu vaccine

China has developed a new poultry vaccine that could prevent bird flu and Newcastle disease, Chief Veterinary Officer Jia Youling said. The vaccine could be applied to poultry through sprinkling, drinking, eye-dropping and various other means, according to Jia.

Jia said the vaccine would be provided free to all domestic birds, especially those raised in backyards.

Meanwhile, authorities estimated that about 22 million poultry were already culled to curb the spread of bird flu in China.