The municipal government of the Chinese capital is stepping up control over wild and transient birds.

There are more than 350 kinds of wild birds, including some 250 kinds of migrant birds, in the Beijing area.

The State Forestry Administration has sent a letter to its local counterpart in the municipality, pledging to offer further assistance to help control the movements of wild birds, for the fear that these birds may be infected with bird flu and spread the disease.

Meanwhile, more ornithologists and other professionals have been sent to make meticulous surveys of bird habitats, wetland environment and safety of water sources.

The administration also proposed that more monitoring stations be set up around the city to track the movements of wild birds in wetlands, ponds and stretches of water.

Moreover, a hot-line will be set up between the administrative departments for a detailed exchange of information concerning the issue, and local forest rangers have been urged to crack down on the illegal hunting, sale, transportation and smuggling of birds.

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2004)