China's top legislature on Tuesday kicked off debate surrounding an amendment to the law on animal disease, which seeks to lower the rate of animal epidemics as well as their social and economical impact.

Provincial governments are ordered to create individual surveillance networks which will monitor instances of animal diseases, said the draft amendment.

The draft also issued precise instructions to veterinary departments at national and provincial levels to report early warnings of any potential outbreaks.

A prompt and transparent reporting system is also required, allowing all government agencies, businesses and individuals to report any outbreaks to veterinary departments without fail.

Disciplinary measures will be meted out to all officials and government staff found guilty of taking preventive measures, delay reporting or cover up any outbreaks.

China is particularly vulnerable to animal diseases. It stands as the world’s largest producer of poultry, livestock and fisheries and the nation loses 40 billion yuan (US$5.18 billion) annually from animal diseases.

This draft amendment, if passed, would follow up earlier calls for increased investment in animal disease prevention and control leading towards a new national prevention mechanism to be set up by 2008.  

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2007)