BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhuanet) -- China has set up a veterinary bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture and appointed a Chief Veterinarian to supervise the country's veterinary sector.

Jia Youling, a noted animal husbandry expert with the ministry and ministry spokesman for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)control this year, has been appointed as the first Chief Veterinarian and the Director of the Veterinary Bureau.

According to the ministry, the establishment of the new bureau will help strengthen animal disease control and improve public health. In addition, the bureau will also help farmers to get moreincome from animal husbandry by promoting its development and trade.

The bureau is expected to formulate laws and regulations on animal quarantine, release lists of banned animals and products, supervise the set-up of an animal quarantine contingent and enact policies on animal quarantine, animal products safety and animal rights.

Insiders say the establishment of the new bureau and the appointment of Chief Veterinarian indicate that China is adopting international standards in veterinary practice. Enditem