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Beijing Steps up Efforts to Fight Bird Flu

Beijing has stepped up its efforts to fight bird flu by sending inspectors to farms, homes and migratory bird sanctuaries to enforce disease-prevention controls.

The stepped-up veterinary checks came after the Ministry of Health warned in October that a "danger of the fatal disease spreading to human beings exists."

China's top leaders also warned that the country faces a "grave" threat from avian influenza, as both Asia and Europe try to contain the deadly virus.

Officials in Beijing have begun checking chickens, ducks, and geese and even carrier pigeons being raised as pets in the city to make sure they are properly vaccinated or isolated, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

About 98 percent of the poultry raised on Beijing's farms have been vaccinated. Officials hope to increase that rate to 100 percent in the coming days, the report quoted city agricultural officials as saying.

Poultry markets, slaughterhouses and zoos will also be monitored, and special attention will be paid to farms near sanctuaries for migratory birds, which are believed to have brought bird flu to several countries.

In Beijing, security will be stepped up at airports, bus and train stations and at border crossings to prevent birds from infected areas reaching the capital, said the report. Municipal officials were also taking steps to ensure there is an adequate stockpile of vaccines and disinfectants.