September 8, 2008

Under a new regulation that would take effect on October 1, China will tighten control over exports of livestock and poultry genetics.

China will ban the export of genetic resources of newly-discovered, unidentified livestock and poultry breeds that are unique to the country, according to the ordinance signed by Premier Wen Jiabao on August 28.

The ordinance said it will be illegal to cooperate with overseas institutions or individuals in studying and utilising the resources banned from exporting.

Breed resources listed under national protection must not be carried abroad if it threatens China's animal husbandry production and exports.

The ordinance said the move was to protect and make proper use of livestock and poultry genetics resources, preventing the loss of them as China strives to boost the sustainability and development of animal husbandry.

The ordinance also said any introduction of genetics resources into China must make no threats to the safety of domestic breeds and ecological environment.

China's animal husbandry posted an output of more than RMB 1.3 trillion (US$190 billion) in 2005, accounting for 35 percent of total agricultural production.