A photo on Sina Weibo has stirred up quite the debate as it depicts three sanitation workers standing on the arm of a derrick, ready to destroy the tree's bird's nests with their tools. Teachers and students from Shanghai Jiaotong University have confirmed the event, according to the Shanghai Evening Post.

Shanghai Jiaotong University said it had increased its prevention efforts in the fight against the H7N9 virus, safeguarding the health of its teachers and students.

Some students of Shanghai Jiaotong University believed the action was necessary; others deemed it exaggerated. It is bird breeding season right now, and destroying their nests will affect the campus’ ecological balance.

"If no proof can show there are birds carrying the H7N9 virus on the campus, there is no need to destroy the nests." said Tao Lina, director of the Shanghai Disease Control and Prevention Center.