Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu on Tuesday instructed local officials to step up efforts for preventing possible bird flu spread in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

During his three-day visit to Guangxi in southwest China, Hui visited major livestock farms and animal markets and examined measures adopted by local government to prevent bird flu spread.

"Our prevention work faces big challenges," Hui said, adding that Guangxi is a key area to guard off the animal-related infectious disease.

Hui also asked local officials to map out emergency plan and enhance disease surveillance.

Hui, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also visited farmers' homes, asking them to work hard for a better harvest this year.

It is of vital importance for China's socio-economic development to increase grain production and increase farmers' income, he said.

The incentive policy made by the central government for farmers will remain unchanged, he said.

Besides, he required departments concerned to provide supportive assistance to farmers in the spring ploughing period, such as agriculture-related materials supply and financial backup.

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2005)