(VOVworld) – A number of provinces in China have stepped up efforts to prevent H7N9 avian flu following reports of scattered human cases of the virus.

Culling birds in China (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

The authorities closed 280 poultry trading and slaughtering venues in Suining city, Sichuan province, after 4 human H7N9 cases were reported this year. The central province of Hubei set up centers for the prevention and control of human H7N9 flu, according to the provincial Health and Family Planning Commission. Hubei confirmed 19 cases between January 1 and February 9. In Changsha city, Hunan province, all live poultry markets were closed. The province has reported 24 cases, including 5 fatalities, this year. The eastern province of Zhejiang ordered all markets to halt live poultry trading. The Beijing authorities have just reported their first human H7N9 case in 2017.