Beijing (Xinhua): China has developed a new diagnostic method to test influenza A(H1N1) virus in pigs, the agriculture ministry said.

Officials said the new method can deliver test results within five hours.

The ministry had mobilised health experts to develop a new diagnostic method to test the virus, also known as swine flu, in minimum time in view of its outbreak in over a dozen country in Asia, Europe, South America and the United States.

So far, more than 20 people have died and hundreds are affected by the deadly virus.

The method could also provide references for the virus in humans, the ministry said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the ministry has also urged the local health authorities to stockpile emergency materials in case of an outbreak of the disease in the country.

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