Since spring and winter are peak times for bird flu, live poultry markets in medium and large Chinese cities are to be closed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of human infection, according to the Ministry of Agriculture in China.

Caged live chickens are the main source of the bird flu virus. (CFP)

Currently Beijing has closed all its live poultry markets for good.

The ministry claims that supervision of the live poultry trade, especially at street markets, is very difficult.

(By Jessie Hwang, Stephen Roach)