China mulls draft revision to animal epidemic prevention law

BEIJING - Chinese legislators on Saturday began deliberating a draft revision to the animal epidemic prevention law.

The draft amendment has been put on the table of lawmakers for the second reading at an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

Markets engaged in the trading of animals and animal products are required to meet epidemic prevention standards while complying with the supervision and inspection of agriculture and rural affairs authorities, read the draft revision.

Local governments at the county level and above are allowed to ban live poultry and livestock trading within certain areas, according to the draft.

The draft also clarifies the legal responsibilities of animal and animal product markets that are unable to meet epidemic prevention standards.