Given the possibility of a bird flu epidemic, the city is keeping a close eye on migratory fowl that could spread the disease.

The city's 14 migratory bird observation stations must report every day, whether or not abnormal developments are noted, the Shanghai Forestry Bureau said yesterday.

Every day from 7am to 9am, the peak activity time of birds, workers are required to observe the birds carefully. They then should report observations to the Shanghai Wildlife Protection Station, whether or not they see any problems. The station then reports it to the bureau.

If the workers find any abnormal death or disease of birds, they must report to the upper level immediately and find out whether there are any poultry and livestock farms nearby, officials said.

Usually, workers only need to report once a week, so the surveillance has been stepped up. Meanwhile, other local departments are taking measures to prevent the bird flu.

The Shanghai Zoo has vaccinated all its thousands of birds, in addition to sterilizing the animal houses and observing migratory birds more carefully. The zoo will also sample birds' blood regularly and send samples for professional testing.

During the quarantine period, the zoo won't accept any birds outside.

The Shanghai Agricultural Commission has ordered vaccination of all poultry raised in the city and required strict sterilization at all the poultry farms.

Officials said there are more than 20 million fowl in the city. Before they enter the market, they must undergo strict quarantine.

Poultry from other provinces and cities should have three certificates: qualified quarantine, sterilization of the transporting vehicles and the bird flu test when they enter the city through eight appointed entries.

Fengxian District is giving prizes to fishermen who find dead or sick wild migratory birds and hand them in to the agricultural department.

"It's impossible for inspectors to find all the dead and sick wild birds. So the award will be effective to encourage fishermen's help," said a director surnamed Pan of the district's agricultural law enforcement team.

On January 29 last year, a bird flu epidemic erupted in Yiyuan Village of Nanhui District, in which nearly 200 ducks died.