China reported 32 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in animals from January to December 2005 in the country, leaving a total of 154,600 birds dead and 22,571,200 culled.

The outbreaks were found in 13 provinces, 25 cities, 32 counties, 57 towns, and 115 villages. One outbreak involving migratory birds was reported in Qinghai Province in May 2005. The information came from a Chinese government report at the International Pledging Conference on Avian and Human Pandemic Influenza convened in Beijing Tuesday.

The two-day conference is co-sponsored by China, the European Commission and the World Bank.

As of today, quarantine has been lifted in 31 affected areas in China.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2006)