Announcement

**Giuseppe** · February 1, 2008, 01:31 PM

Re: :.H5+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

From INFO.HK:
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Black-crowned Night Heron tests positive for H5N1 virus

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (February 1) that the Black-crowned Night Heron found earlier in Southern District was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests.

The bird carcass was collected on January 28 at the Ocean Park, Southern District. The Black-crowned Night Heron is a common resident and winter visitor to Hong Kong.

A department spokesman reminded people to observe good personal hygiene.

"They should avoid personal contact with wild birds or live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he said.

Ends/Friday, February 1, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:16

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Black-crowned Night Heron tests positive for H5N1 virus

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/01/P200802010224.htm

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**Giuseppe** · February 5, 2008, 12:36 PM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:NEW CASE:.

Great Egret tested for H5 virus
Feb 5, 2008
Preliminary testing of a Great Egret found in Yuen Long had indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 5), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.
The bird carcass was found and collected on February 2 at Tam Kon Chau, Yuen Long.
The Great Egret is a common resident and winter visitor to Hong Kong.
"As a precautionary measure, the Mai Po Nature Reserve will be temporarily closed to visitors for 21 days starting tomorrow (February 6). We will monitor the situation closely and review the closure period as necessary," the spokesman said.
AFCD has maintained a stringent monitoring regime on wild birds in the Mai Po Nature Reserve and collected faecal samples for H5 testing since the winter of 2002.
AFCD and the Mai Po Nature Reserve have always maintained close communication with each other to ensure precautionary measures against avian influenza are in place to safeguard public health. The spokesman said there were no chicken farms within three kilometres of where the bird was found.
"In view of this case, the AFCD will phone poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters will be issued to the farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken."
The spokesman said that the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented.
The department would continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over imported live poultry as well as live poultry stalls.
It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene.
The Department of Health will keep up with its health education and distribute health advice leaflets.
AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreak brought by imported poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine. The spokesman said the threat of avian influenza remained.
The relevant departments will remain vigilant and continue to take preventive and control measures against avian influenza.
Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
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Great Egret tested for H5 virus

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/05/P200802050255.htm

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**HenryN** · February 6, 2008, 02:24 AM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

Hong Kong closes bird sanctuary for 3 weeks after suspected bird flu death nearby

HONG KONG (AP): Hong Kong ordered its famed Mai Po bird sanctuary closed for three weeks starting Wednesday after a Great Egret found nearby was suspected of dying from bird flu, agriculture officials said.
Preliminary tests indicated the Great Egret may have contracted the H5 virus, and further tests were being conducted to confirm whether it was the virulent H5N1 sub strain, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said late Tuesday.
The government said it would close the bird sanctuary for three weeks as a precautionary measure.
Last year, Hong Kong discovered 21 wild birds infected with H5N1, but it has not suffered a major outbreak of the disease since 1997, when the virus killed six people, prompting the government to slaughter the entire poultry population of about 1.5 million birds. At least 226 people have died worldwide from avian flu since late 2003, according to the World Health Organization. Most cases have been linked to contact with infected birds, but scientists believe limited human-to-human transmission has occurred among some family members in close contact.

404 Page Not Found | The Star

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/6/apworld/20080206142731&sec=apworld

**HenryN** · February 6, 2008, 03:16 AM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

Commentary

H5N1 Closes Another Nature Reserve in Hong Kong

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/02060801/H5N1_HK_Reserve_Closed.html

Recombinomics Commentary

**Gert van der Hoek** · February 6, 2008, 10:31 AM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

OIE-report: http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/public...&reportid=6761

**AlaskaDenise** · February 6, 2008, 10:16 PM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

Originally posted by niman View Post

Commentary

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/02...ve_Closed.html

Commentary

H5N1 Closes Another Nature Reserve in Hong Kong

Recombinomics Commentary 08:04
February 6, 2008

Preliminary testing of a Great Egret found in Yuen Long had indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 5), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.

The bird carcass was found and collected on February 2 at Tam Kon Chau, Yuen Long.

The Great Egret is a common resident and winter visitor to Hong Kong.
"As a precautionary measure, the Mai Po Nature Reserve will be temporarily closed to visitors for 21 days starting tomorrow (February 6).

The above comments describe the closing of the Mai Po Nature Reserve following the H5 confirmation in a Great Egret. This closure comes on the heals of another Hong Kong closure, the walk-in aviaries in Ocean Park due to H5 in another wild bird, a Black-crowned Night Heron.

It is likely that both birds were infected with the Fujian strain (clade 2.3) of H5N1, which has been detected at this time of the year for the past three years. In the past bird watching groups have tried to link the dead wild birds to religious ceremonies, but this season reports of H5N1 positive dead birds began early with an H5N1 positive egret in November, 2007, precluding linkages with the release of ornamental birds, which happen in January.

The H5N1 in wild birds in Hong Kong signal the transport and transmission of H5N1 by wild birds. In southern China in recent years, this movement involves the Fujian strain. In areas west of China, this movement involves the Qinghai strain (clade 2.2) or a clade 2.2.3 variant, the Uva Lake strain.

In late 2006 there was speculation that the spread of the Fujian strain in southern China and southeast east represented a ?third wave? which would lead to the dominance of the Fujian strain worldwide. This speculation was without a sound basis because the data was based on samples collected between mid 2005 and mid 2006, when the vast majority of isolates from fecal samples from farms in southern China were the Fujian strain. However, in the same time period, the Qinghai strain was spreading to 50 countries west of China, and the testing from China yielder only one Qinghai isolate (from Shantou) out of 404 reported isolates.

Subsequently, reports of the Fujian strain have been limited to southern China and southeast Asia, while the Qinghai strain, or the Uva Lake variant, has been reported west of China in an increasing number of countries.

Thus, the H5 in Hong Kong provides additional evidence for H5N1 in wild birds, and the recurring pattern involves clade specific transport and transmission by wild birds.

.

**Giuseppe** · February 9, 2008, 04:23 AM

:.CONFIRMED CASE:.

From HK info:
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Great Egret tests positive for H5N1 virus

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (February 9) that the Great Egret found earlier in Yuen Long was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests.

The bird carcass was found and collected on February 2 at Tam Kon Chau, Yuen Long. Great Egret is a common resident and winter visitor to Hong Kong.

A department spokesman reminded people to observe good personal hygiene.

"They should avoid personal contact with wild birds or live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he said.

Ends/Saturday, February 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:42

NNNN
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Great Egret tests positive for H5N1 virus

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/09/P200802090154.htm

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**sharon sanders** · February 9, 2008, 09:27 AM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

Bird carcass found H5-positive

A great egret found in Yuen Long has been confirmed to have H5 avian influenza, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.

The carcass was found and collected on February 2 at Tam Kon Chau. There are no chicken farms within three kilometres of where the bird was found. Mai Po Nature Reserve has been closed since February 6 for 21 days.

To prevent the spread of bird flu to people, observe good personal hygiene. Avoid personal contact with wild birds or live poultry and clean your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them.

http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/h...205en05004.htm

**Giuseppe** · February 9, 2008, 11:08 AM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

Originally posted by Florida1 View Post

Bird carcass found H5-positive

A great egret found in Yuen Long has been confirmed to have H5 avian influenza, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.

The carcass was found and collected on February 2 at Tam Kon Chau. There are no chicken farms within three kilometres of where the bird was found. Mai Po Nature Reserve has been closed since February 6 for 21 days.

To prevent the spread of bird flu to people, observe good personal hygiene. Avoid personal contact with wild birds or live poultry and clean your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them.

http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/h...205en05004.htm

Isn't the same Great Egret posted in the previous post?

**Giuseppe** · February 11, 2008, 12:11 PM

:.Grey Heron tested for H5 virus:.

From INFO.HK:
-
Grey Heron tested for H5 virus

Preliminary testing of a Grey Heron found in Lok Ma Chau had indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 11), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.

The bird carcass was found and collected on February 8 near San Sam Road, Lok Ma Chau. Grey Heron is a kind of waterbird and common winter visitor to Hong Kong.

The spokesman said there are three commercial chicken farms within three kilometers of where the bird was found. The AFCD had immediately dispatched inspection staff to these chicken farms, and had found no abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza among the chicken flocks.

"In view of this case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters will be issued to the farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken," the spokesman said.

"In particular, the three chicken farms will be put under enhanced surveillance."

The spokesman said that the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented. The department would continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over imported live poultry as well as live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene.

The Department of Health will keep up with its health education and distribute health advice leaflets.

AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks brought by imported poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine.

The spokesman said the threat of avian influenza remained. The relevant departments will remain vigilant and continue to take preventive and control measures against avian influenza.

Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Ends/Monday, February 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:10

NNNN

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Grey Heron tested for H5 virus

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/11/P200802110213.htm

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**sharon sanders** · February 11, 2008, 12:33 PM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

Originally posted by ironorehopper View Post

Isn't the same Great Egret posted in the previous post?

Yes, but there was additional information about the chicken farms and the reserve. Many times news sources will issue the same story over again with additional paragraphs or deletions.

**Giuseppe** · February 12, 2008, 11:41 AM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

From HK.INFO:
-
Oriental Magpie Robin tested for H5 virus

Preliminary testing of a dead Oriental Magpie Robin found in Cheung Sha Wan had indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 12), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.

The bird carcass was found and collected on February 10 at Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market. Oriental Magpie Robin is a common resident bird in Hong Kong.

"In view of this case, we will conduct a thorough cleansing cum disinfection operation in both the Wholesale Food Market and the Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market in Cheung Sha Wan tomorrow. We will also step up inspections and surveillance of the wholesale poultry market and remind wholesalers to maintain good hygiene to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented.," the spokesman said.

The AFCD will step up inspections of poultry farms and phone poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters will be issued to the farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken. The department will also continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over imported live poultry as well as live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene. The department will continue to maintain a clean environment for the public and step up its cleansing operations in the Cheung Sha Wan area in particular.

The Department of Health will keep up with its health education and distribute health advice leaflets.

AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks brought by imported poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine.

The spokesman said the threat of avian influenza remained. The relevant departments will remain vigilant and continue to take preventive and control measures against avian influenza.

Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Ends/Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:11

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Oriental Magpie Robin tested for H5 virus

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/12/P200802120222.htm

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**HenryN** · February 12, 2008, 03:53 PM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

H5N1 found in market

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Authorities are stepping up health measures at Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market after an oriental magpie robin found there tested positive for the H5 avian flu virus.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said last night the bird, a common species in Hong Kong, was found on Friday.
"In view of the tentative finding, we will conduct a thorough cleansing and disinfection operation in both the Wholesale Food Market and the Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market in Cheung Sha Wan tomorrow," the spokesman said. "We will also step up inspections and surveillance of the wholesale poultry market."
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=9 width=250 align=right border=0 valign="top"><TBODY><TR><TD><NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The AFCD will step up farm inspections and phone farmers to remind them to strengthen precautionary measures. Letters will be issued to owners of businesses involving live birds reminding them that proper precautions must be taken.
A black-crowned night heron found at Ocean Park tested positive for H5N1 on January 28.
STAFF REPORTER

403 Forbidden

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=61438&sid=17569500&con_type=1

**sharon sanders** · February 13, 2008, 06:58 AM

Re: :.H5N1+ WILD BIRD IN HONG KONG:.:

Hong Kong disinfects markets after bird flu scare

Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:20am EST
HONG KONG, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Hong Kong health workers disinfected two wholesale food markets on Wednesday following the discovery of a dead wild bird suspected to have died from bird flu.

The bird was found on Sunday at the Cheung Sha Wan wholesale food market in west Kowloon, which is near a temporary wholesale poultry market.

"We will step up inspections and surveillance of the wholesale poultry market and remind wholesalers to maintain good hygiene to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented," a spokesperson for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said.

Further tests were being conducted on the Magpie Robin, a wild bird resident in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong detected 21 birds with the H5N1 virus last year and three birds so far this year.

Although birdflu remains mainly an animal disease, experts fear the virus could mutate into a form that spreads easily among humans and kill millions.

In recent weeks, the discovery of H5N1 infected dead birds have forced the closure of Hong Kong's world famous Mai Po bird reserve and aviaries at the popular Ocean Park theme park.

(Reporting by James Pomfret; Editing by Nick Macfie)

reuters.com

http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSHKG284823