Bird flu in china: poultry markets closed to stop spread

A number of provinces in China have shut down live poultry markets to prevent the spread of avian flu after a surge in the number of infections from the H7N9 strain in recent months.

At least six provinces have reported human cases of H7N9 influenza this year, according to Chinese state media, Xinhua.

A poultry market halted trading to reduce human contact with poultry on January 9 in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province. 

A poultry market halted trading to reduce human contact with poultry on January



9 in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province.

The surge in cases began in December, when 106 cases were reported, with 20 deaths, according to China's National Health and Family Planning Commission. In January, there were 192 infections and 79 deaths.

From February 6 to 12, 61 human cases of avian influenza, including seven deaths, were recorded, according to the latest figures from China's Centre for Health Protection in the Department of Health, which received figures from the commission.