China's Attempts To Block Bird Flu May Be Hurt By Unusually Warm Winter Weather - ENN

[hatrack]

BEIJING -- China could face problems trying to control bird flu this spring due to abnormally high seasonal temperatures, the country's vice agriculture minister said.

"First, the spring season is usually prone to bird flu. Second, as the average temperature in north and central China is higher than the past, migrant birds may stay longer within the borders of China," Yin Chengjie was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying.

"We have successfully stopped the spread of bird flu from migrant birds in Qinghai and Tibet to human beings and domestic poultry. Now, we need to intensify monitoring of bird migration and be on high alert," he said in comments seen on Tuesday.

An expected increase in the transport of animals over the traditional Lunar New Year period, which starts this weekend, means the government must step up inspection and quarantine work, Yin added.

EDIT

http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=12211

[Mojorabbit]

1. They have clamped down on their reporters

big time. I think a lot could be going on there and we would never know.

[Mojorabbit]

2. Chickens are being shunned for the holidays by some

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/258415/1/.html
hai Chinese shun poultry ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations


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BANGKOK : Thai Chinese typically celebrate Lunar New Year at home with traditional foods that include poultry, but bird flu fears have changed their planned festive menu for the third year.

Succulent roast duck - a popular dish during Lunar New Year - as it is believed to symbolise happiness and family unity.

But in Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, duck and chicken sellers are reporting poor sales.

This is because poultry is being shunned, due to fears of bird flu.

Senior officials from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation warn that an increased level of alert is needed during this festive time in Southeast Asia since just a few infected poultry can trigger a bird flu outbreak.

At Hua Seng Hong Restaurant, poultry sales have plummeted to half the usual figure for this time of the year, but business remains good as it serves a variety of other delicacies that protect its bottom line.