Inspectors of China's central government who are going to major areas hit by bird flu Sunday are required to check whether the local leaders have carried out the state policies on bird flu prevention and control.
  
Inspection teams consisting of ministry officials and veterinary, quarantine and health experts will leave for the 11 provinces and autonomous regions of Hebei, Henan, Jiangxi, Hunan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Yunnan and Guangxi.
  
At a recent meeting of the national bird flu prevention and control headquarters, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu asked the inspectors to examine the emergency plans, guiding system, epidemic prevention responsibility system, the reserve of emergency materials and techniques, and the fulfillment of prevention measures in these areas.
  
Hui, who leads the headquarters, urged the inspectors to go to the grassroots to learn the real situation, including difficulties and problems, in bird flu prevention and control, and help the localities in their work.
  
Now that the central authorities have drawn out clear-cut policies on bird flu prevention and control, "the most pressing matter of the moment is to act promptly to make well-conceived plans and concerted efforts to implement various prevention measures so that bird flu prevention and control can be carried out in an energetic, orderly and effective manner," Hui said. 

(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2003)