China's top legislature began deliberating on Tuesday a draft
amendment to the law on animal disease, in order to prevent future
animal epidemics and lower their social and economic impact.
Local governments above the county level would have to set up a
surveillance network to monitor animal diseases, said the draft
amendment which was tabled at the 27th session of the Standing
Committee of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC).
Veterinary departments at the central and provincial levels are
obligated to issue early warnings against possible outbreaks based
on thorough epidemiological study, according to the draft.
The draft also demands a prompt and transparent reporting
system, saying that all government agencies, businesses and
individuals must immediately report outbreaks of animal diseases to
veterinary departments.
Officials and government employees, who fail to take prompt
preventative measures, delay reporting or try to cover up outbreaks
of animal diseases should face administrative discipline, according
to the draft.
As the world's largest producer of poultry, livestock and
aquatic products, China has much to lose from outbreaks of animal
diseases. It is estimated that animal diseases cost China 40
billion yuan annually.
The Chinese government announced earlier that it would increase
investment in the prevention and control of animal epidemics and
set up a new national prevention system on animal diseases by
2008.
(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2007)