Local scientists in Shanghai have made a breakthrough in research for disease prevention and control technology in mass livestock raising, according to local science and technology commission.

After three years' efforts, they have succeeded in a key research program for a microbe feed addictive, which will help enhance animals' immunity.

This success strongly boosts the city's confidence to fight against the avian influenza currently spreading in Asia, officials said.

Last Friday, a suspected case was reported in the city's Nanhui District.

Adopting 12 microorganisms that are beneficial to the nature and authorized for use by the Ministry of Agriculture, the feed addictive will help form nutrition in livestock's after being swallowed down with feed, researchers said.

Their research indicates a pig will grow an average 11.2 percent in weight everyday after applied with the addictive, while cases of diarrhea plunged 90 percent.

Use of the microbe technology will result in a reform in the existing epidemic prevention method in mass livestock raising and introduce safe raising skills, said Jiang Han, general manager of Shanghai Chuangbo Ecological Engineering Co Ltd, which has undertaken the research program.

He said some raisers illegally feed livestock with antibiotics to prevent diseases. After the livestock are served, remains of the drug will finally pass on to human beings and do them harm.

Researchers also stress ventilation systems in stock farms to prevent epidemics, adding every pig must be ensured a living space of two to four square meters. They advise stock raisers are equipped with specially disinfected clothing and receive medical checks regularly.

(Shanghai Daily February 5, 2004)