Beijing is closely watching poultry at 900 farms and migratory birds at 287 water areas for possible H7N9 infection.

"All poultry and pig farms have been under quarantine since April 5. Farmers are not allowed out, and other people are not allowed in. Fodder coming from outside the farms must be sterilized," said Yao Jiezhang, director of the emergency department of the city's bureau of agriculture.

He said there are very few free-range poultry farms in Beijing, which makes it easy to quarantine all poultry.

"All the city's districts have tested 11,509 samples collected from animals at farms and migrant bird habitats, and have found no infections of such a virus," he said.

"We have required monitoring stations in the migrant bird habitats to provide food to the birds, so that they won't move around seeking food. Also, large farms have been asked to put up bird nets to prevent birds from entering the farms."

However, the shrinking market for poultry is taking its toll on farms and slaughterhouses.

"People are consuming less poultry but the production continues, with slaughterhouses renting fridges to store their products," Yao said.

- Wang Qingyun

(China Daily 04/19/2013 page5)