Four new suspected outbreaks of bird flu

CHINA reported four new suspected outbreaks of deadly bird flu in three new regions yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed and suspected outbreaks to seven.

The announcement confirmed fears the epidemic could be widespread in the world's second-biggest poultry producer.

"New suspected bird flu cases were discovered in Anhui (province), Shanghai city and Guangdong (province)," the Xinhua news agency said.