Beijing Zoo closed one of the three exhibition halls at its bird garden Tuesday to prevent the spread of bird flu.

Meanwhile, the zoo has removed all turkeys from display to a non-exhibition area.

"This is because air circulation in the exhibition hall is poorand visitors had direct contact with the birds. The aim of the move is to reduce the source of infection," said a zoo official.

The zoo has suspended movements of all poultry and stopped purchasing live chickens and eggs for feed. It is closely monitoring all poultry at the zoo and practices a zero reporting system.

The Badaling Safari Park in Beijing also replaced live chickens with beef to feed its 200 lions and 100 tigers.

The eight major parks in urban Beijing have also taken preventive measures, including stopping bird movements, disinfection and reducing the numbers in each cage.
 
(Xinhua News Agency  February 4, 2004)