Chinese scientist urges improvement of bird flu control methods

    BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government should review the strategies and effects of the bird flu control efforts of the past two years and improve them to cope with the epidemic which is still a serious threat, said a Chinese scientist here on Monday.

    "When, and to what extent, the current avian influenza virus could evolve into a human pandemic is unpredictable. We should do our best to reduce the risk of a human pandemic influenza breaking out and make necessary preparations before such a risk becomes reality," said Chinese bird flu control expert Liu Xiufan.

Lu Yongxiang (1st R Front), vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress and president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), presides over the opening session of the academician conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 5, 2006.  (Xinhua Photo)

Xu Kuangdi, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), addresses the opening session of the academician conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 5, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)