The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday supplied samples taken from people who have been infected with H5N1 avian influenza to the WHO western Pacific regional director, who visited the Chinese National Influenza Center to see monitoring, testing and control facilities.

Samples of two strains of the virus were given to Shigeru Omi by CDC Director Wang Yu along with information on the Chinese human cases.

Omi said the samples would help trace the virus' mutation and develop antiviral drugs.

He said good international collaboration would be crucial in dealing with the immense challenge posed by bird flu, and China can play an important role in this regard.

China has reported six laboratory-confirmed human cases of bird flu this year, all since November 16, including at two fatalities, according to the Ministry of Health.

Lab tests show that the genotype of H5N1 seen in human bird flu infections in China are different from those spotted in humans in Vietnam, indicating that the virus has mutated.

(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2005)