A scientist in Guangdong says the Province already has an effective vaccine for birds against the bird flu virus. Professor Xin Chao'an from South China Agricultural University in Guangzhou made the announcement on Saturday.

Professor Xin said that the research on bird flu began nine years ago and in the year 2000, they succeeded in finding a vaccine. This vaccine can kill the highly contagious strains of bird flu virus.

Xin Chao'an, Professor of South China Agricultural University, said: "With the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture, we started the research on the bird flu vaccine in 1995 as a precaution measure. We'll put the vaccine in use when needed."

Professor Xin added that people should pay attention to the bird flu epidemic, but that there is no need to panic. He said common disinfectants and even exposure to sunlight could kill the virus.

Professor Xin also stated that the bird flu cases found in Guangdong province have not affected its poultry industry. He said there hasn't been any evidence of an outbreak in humans due to the bird flu virus.

(CCTV.com February 2, 2004)