BEIJING (AFP) — China will send bird flu virus samples to the World Health Organisation, state media reported Friday, apparently in response to WHO complaints that Beijing was not sharing them.
Early this week, WHO’s China representative Henk Bekedam said Beijing had not shared any recent samples of the virus since May 2006 despite repeated requests.
Several new cases have appeared in China since the last batch was shared and the WHO wants more rapid sharing of samples to keep on top of potential mutations in the avian disease that could raise the risk of human transmission.
“Upholding the principle of openness, transparency and cooperation, the government has always worked closely with the international community as part of the global effort …
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