CRI听力:Measures to Tackle Bird Flu in China

Live poultry sales have been suspended, some markets closed and hospitals in Shanghai are busy checking every patient that arrives for symptoms of the H7N9 strain of bird flu, which has killed nine people in China.

Even pigeon training and racing has been halted in China's largest city for fears that a new strain of bird flu may spread.

Authorities confirmed the latest two deaths and four infections on April 10, although there are no signs of human-to-human transmission.

Authorities believe people are contracting the virus through direct contact with infected fowl.

The deaths have been reported in three eastern provinces of China and most of them in Shanghai, the country's economic powerhouse. Shares in the city's stock exchange have been falling since the first cases were reported last week.

At the city's Huhai market, where one of the first few cases were reported, doors and windows remained covered on Tuesday while fumigation was being conducted inside, according to vendors in the vicinity.

Authorities closed the market on April 4th taking all poultry for culling. Ever since then, sales have contracted to a tenth of what they used to be for Yang Lianfeng, who sells pork in a stand next to the now closed poultry section of the market.

"Fear? How can we not fear it? It happens like this, so fast, of course we have fears. People doing business here cannot sell their produce."

Wang Puming, a regular customer at Huhai market, has taken the measure of buying a Chinese herbal medicine that many believe helps curb the symptoms of cold and flu, although experts have disputed its effectiveness.

"Right now, as it is the peak season for the flu, everybody pays more attention to this problem. The probability of getting sick is more acute. Everybody is worried. You see? Even Bailangen, a kid of Chinese herbal medicine is sold out in pharmacies."

Near the headquarters of Shanghai municipal government, only a few pigeons remain freely wandering in the city's main park, after authorities decided to lock most of them in cages.

The Shanghai Pigeon Racing Association banned on April 5th all flying, training, racing and other outdoor activities of the birds warning that failure to comply with the regulation would lead to the removal of racing permits.

Huang Yongqiang, a retired seaman who keeps around four dozens birds on the roof of his small house in the centre of the city, said that the suspension was a preventative measure. He stresses that no racing pigeons have been found infected so far.

"The pigeons in the market are found with H7N9 virus. They say 'in the market'. So the Shanghai Association for Pigeon Racing has decided to order its members to stop all pigeon activities, such as flying and competitions."

The Hangzhou Carrier Pigeon Association said on Monday that it will inoculate up to 90,000 pigeons with a vaccine that protects against types of bird flu other than the new H7N9 strain, since no vaccine exists for it yet.

The H7N9 virus is believed to circulate in poultry stocks without sickening birds, making it harder for experts to identify and eliminate outbreaks in birds.
For CRI, I am Li Dong.