The prevention and control of bird flu is still a long-term and arduous task for the Chinese people though initial achievements have been made so far this year, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said in Beijing Friday.

"We must remain alert to possible outbreak or spread of the epidemic and win the 'tough battle'," he said at the fourth meeting of the national headquarters for bird flu prevention and control, which Hui serves as the head.

Some 30 outbreaks of bird flu have been reported in 11 provinces and regions of China so far this year, with six human cases of bird flu confirmed.

The successive bird flu outbreaks in certain regions have been effectively contained and the frequency of outbreaks has dropped significantly. "People in the bird flu-hit areas are in a good mood and their production and lives are sound," the vice premier said.

However, he cautioned, that potential triggers of bird flu outbreaks remain in winter, during which the bird flu virus is highly active. The country's bird flu prevention and control systems are to be improved.

"We have to fully understand the long-term nature and arduousness of the campaign, remain highly vigilant and prepared to reinforce the results made and win the 'tough battle' against bird flu."

He urged people to strictly carry out the epidemic monitoring, diagnosis and reporting system, and improve quarantines, vaccine research and poultry raising conditions.

As the News Year's Day and the Spring Festival approach, the vice premier stressed that poultry and poultry product markets should be put under intensified supervision to ensure food safety.

Source: Xinhua