Bird flu halts global economy?

Here's a scary thought for all those business folks who zip across the Pacific to do business in China: the borders may shut if the bird flu spreads, according to the Shanghai Daily.

"IF a human is infected with the bird flu in China, the country will decide whether or not to close its borders in line with World Health Organization regulations and international practices, a health official said yesterday.

Speaking at a news conference in Beijing yesterday afternoon, Chen Xianyi, director of the Health Ministry's contingency office, said no humans have been infected with the H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus on the Chinese mainland to date.

He also said bird flu outbreaks in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hunan and Anhui provinces have been brought under control.

"As to whether we will close our borders, this will be decided in line with international practices and the relevant rules and regulations of the WHO," said Chen."