Representative Christopher H. Smith, Chair
Senator Jeff Merkley, Cochair
China's Response to Avian Flu: Steps Taken, Challenges Remaining
2200 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 | Friday, February 24, 2006 - 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Transcript (PDF) (Text)
The Congressional-Executive Commission on China held another in its series of staff-led Issues Roundtables, entitled "China's Response to Avian Flu: Steps Taken, Challenges Remaining" on Friday, February 24, 2006, from 2 - 3:30 PM in Room 2200 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
Chinese authorities recorded over 30 outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry stocks in 2005, and have also confirmed 11 human cases of bird flu since November 2005. In response, the central government has appropriated over US $200 million for the creation of a nationwide avian flu command center, initiated avian flu emergency management plans, and reported outbreaks to international health organizations in a generally timely manner. Local officials have also culled and vaccinated millions of poultry in affected areas. Still, health experts consider China to be one of the prime incubators for a potential human influenza pandemic. Concerns also exist about the degree of transparency in Chinese government reporting on some of the outbreaks.
The panelists addressed each of these issues and discussed efforts by American health and agriculture officials to assist their Chinese counterparts.
Panelists:
Dr. John R. Clifford, Deputy Administrator, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture
Ms. Erika Elvander, Office of Asia and the Pacific, Office of Global Health Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Bates Gill, Freeman Chair in China Studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies