China is likely to face more bird flu outbreaks and more cases of human infection in the spring, Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu said yesterday during a televised national conference on the prevention and control of the disease.

The forecast was based on "a comprehensive analysis" of the situation, Hui said, calling on people to be aware of the gravity of the threat posed by bird flu and the need to implement effective prevention measures.

Despite major victories in the fight against bird flu since last year, China still faces a tough battle to prevent and control the disease, the official said.

As migrating flocks travel in great numbers during the spring, bird flu is likely to spread, Hui said, noting that there have been reports of the disease in many countries and regions in Asia, Europe and Africa.

He urged all local government agencies to step up their bird flu monitoring. Anyone suspected of being infected by the deadly virus must be reported, diagnosed and treated promptly, he stressed.

Among the country's prevention measures, a supervision network is being launched this week in Jiangsu Province.

One-hundred bird monitoring stations and 1,000 workers will be scattered across the eastern China province.

Observers will track bird species, record the duration and sites where they stay and monitor their wastes under the program.

Authorities estimate that 3 million migratory birds will fly into Jiangsu in the next two months as the weather gets warmer, and 5 million will transit the area.