In Beijing, the municipal government held a press conference on Friday, centering on its work to keep bird flu out of the capital. Officials say strict measures have been taken to prevent the disease from entering the city.

However, officials say prevention is not the only priority for the government. Economic development is also essential.

Liu Yaqing, deputy director of the Beijing Health Bureau, says the municipal government has formed contingency plans and taken a series of concrete measures to cope with the challenge.

Having learnt the lessons of last year's SARS epidemic, Beijing has established a system of monitoring, quarantine and reporting. So far, no cases have been reported in Beijing, but the possibility remains.

Liu Yaoqing, deputy director of Beijing Health Bureau, said, "Our preventive measures have been implemented promptly and comprehensively. But some factors like migrating birds may still spread the disease. We've prepared for that, and are confident we can deal with it."

The official said poultry products on sale in Beijing are safe. The government has launched comprehensive inspections of the whole production process: from breeding, slaughtering and freezing, to the point of sale. The inspectors say consumers should only buy poultry products from authorized markets.

According to an inspector, "All poultry products which have passed inspections will carry a label. Consumers can be confident of products carrying this mark."

Another focus is on the source of the poultry products. Beijing has strengthened its check-points on roads, railways and ports. All vehicles carrying raw poultry materials must be sterilized, and undergo full inspections of their permits and cargoes. Any freight truck which does not pass these inspections will be barred from entering Beijing.

Prevention is the top priority for many officials now, but for the government, there is more work to do.

The Acting Mayor of Beijing, Wang Qishan, said the bird flu prevention and control work is very important, but at the same time, increasing agricultural production and farmers' incomes must not be neglected.

(CCTV.com February 15, 2004)