Hong Kong - Poultry/animals/wild birds H5N1 Dec. 18, 2008 +

[Commonground]

Re: Hong Kong - Poultry/animals/wild birds H5N1 Dec. 18, 2008 +

INFURU entered a period of two infected birds in Hong Kong stage =

(09/02/18 07:42)




Teru's Tiyou Hiroshi chief of the Hong Kong Bird Watching, collected from a large crow butterfly mint嶼山collected in large cay and Hitoshi Azuma, in common with the occult and garbage and dead birds found in埔heron, Aoi Because of avian influenza in Hong Kong has already entered a period of two and the stage of infection (large AD)

AD [Japan] Hong Kong University on February 18 this year, dead birds were collected from the coast and the west gate and嶼山屯H5N1 was detected in a large series of bird-flu virus. Feb. 15, police said Mamoru Osamu more natural to fish farming, Hitoshi Azuma cay's 12 confirmed detection of the virus in dead butterflies were collected in peppermint. Birds, bird flu expert from Hong Kong are The second phase and has entered a stage of infection, the Chinese authorities and the prosecution of the negligent supervision, a strong possibility that the hidden information of the infected birds INFURU he said.

Teru's Tiyou Hiroshi chief of the Hong Kong Bird Watching, collected from a large crow butterfly mint嶼山collected in large cay and Hitoshi Azuma, in common with the occult and garbage and dead birds found in埔heron, Aoi Because of avian influenza in Hong Kong has already shown that the two means that the stage into the stage of infection.

* Infection from poultry to wild birds

Mr. Zhang, the infection status of the time, "ie, after finding the carcasses of poultry infected with bird INFURU along the coast, from the outbreak of the infection in birds, H5N1 is the virus from infected poultry to wild birds it is clear that. "

Currently, in Hong Kong and found a total of 40 carcasses of poultry birds, 12 birds in the H5N1 virus was detected in bird-INFURU. Mr. Zhang, from these cases, it is INFURU birds can also be transmitted through the channel, said Chinese authorities could not find the problem that caused a great deal of investigation. Mr. Zhang said, "These dead and washed away to be dumped into the sea and islands. This possibility, we will pay attention in the last year, prosecutors from the failure to specifically monitor the coast, caused problems it, "he said.

* Chinese authorities bird INFURU or concealed information

Mr. Zhang is in China, already this year eight cases have occurred in full-infected bird. However, despite the outbreak of bird flu in poultry was. Thus, the government was neglecting the test questions呈SHITA cover up the circumstances that forced INFURU birds. In addition, "for people in China, died of illness in poultry should not be eating, and whether or how to handle television, has not introduced any. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong is strictly for people's attention the call. continent should learn from Hong Kong. "

* Infected birds found in densely populated, high-risk

Mr. Chang, as an example屍骸heron found in埔Aoi, a little before, the heron is possible when eating infected food at the coast and the continent can not be ruled out. In addition, some cases of infected birds were discovered recently, and found that in densely-populated city, and the high risk of large residential area.

Mr. Zhang is also the risk of bird watching in Hashi Yone埔no data were presented with an infected person to a full-bird to bird watching. Experts will have to contact the local birds and bird feces directly shown to be relatively safe.

(Siqin forest reporter, editor靜over translation)

[Commonground]

Re: Hong Kong - Poultry/animals/wild birds H5N1 Dec. 18, 2008 +

Dead bird renews fears of HK avian influenza


A DEAD wild bird was suspected of having an H5 strain of bird flu after it was found in Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong said yesterday.

The carcass of a crested myna was found at Shau Tau, on the island of Tung Ping Chau, on Thursday and further confirmatory tests were being conducted. The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within 3 kilometers of where the dead bird was found.
-snip-

[From wikipedia:
Geographically, Ping Chau is an offshore island located in the northeast corner of Hong Kong in Mirs Bay and is close to the border with Guangdong Province in mainland China. The island has an area of 1.16 km? and consists of shale rock. The island is much closer to Mainland China (4 km) than to the main landmass of Hong Kong. It is close to Nan'ao of Dapeng. The island is the most easterly point of Hong Kong.]

[AlaskaDenise]

Re: Hong Kong - Poultry/animals/wild birds H5N1 Dec. 18, 2008 +

Crested Myna tests H5 positive




A preliminary test of a dead Crested Myna found in Tung Ping Chau suggests it may have had H5 avian influenza, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.



The carcass was collected at Shau Tau on February 12.



Further tests are ongoing. There are no poultry farms within 3km of where the dead bird was found.



The department said poultry farmers have been reminded to enhance precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian flu.



It will conduct inspections of poultry farms, the wholesale market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, and will continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.



The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will be vigilant over imported live poultry and live poultry stalls. Click here for preventive tips.

http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/html/406ec0bd-2744-461c-98c6-0f6e43986b6b.htm

[Commonground]

Re: Hong Kong - Poultry/animals/wild birds H5N1 Dec. 18, 2008 +

Hong Kong found the suspect birds with avian influenza virus body

2009-02-15 17:19

According to the Hong Kong SAR Government website, the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department spokesman said on the 15th, in the long-term bodies of wild birds under avian influenza surveillance program, according to preliminary tests, one at Tung Ping Chau seized the starling body suspected of carrying the H5 bird flu virus, the relevant units are continuing for further confirmatory tests.

The first starling body in February 12 in the village of Tung Ping Chau Sha Tau seized. Bird carcasses seized locations 3 km there is no chicken.

The spokesman said: "In response to recently discovered birds and wild birds with H5N1 virus case, the AFCD has sent poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen and biosecurity measures to prevent bird flu. In addition to poultry farmers, we also have to remind the birds owner, licensed pet keeping poultry and racing pigeons that they should take appropriate precautionary measures. "

The spokesman said that the department will step up inspections of the Hong Kong live poultry farms, wholesale markets and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, and to alert the industry to pay attention to hygiene, to take appropriate measures to combat avian flu. AFCD will continue to closely monitor the wild birds.

FEHD will continue to monitor the import of live poultry and live poultry retail outlets and shops to remind operators to pay attention to hygiene. Department of Health will continue to implement public health education, and the distribution of health pamphlets. AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and police, will continue its efforts to curb the influx of illegal imports of poultry activities and reducing the经检验检疫the birds did not bring the risk of outbreaks of avian flu.

The SAR government departments will continue to remain vigilant and strictly enforce measures to prevent and control avian influenza.
-snip-

[HenryN]

Re: Hong Kong - Poultry/animals/wild birds H5N1 Dec. 18, 2008 +

3 Hong Kong birds test positive for bird flu
Deadly strain found in goose, ducks that washed up on shores in past week
The Associated Press
updated 1:50 p.m. ET, Wed., Feb. 4, 2009
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HONG KONG - Three of the 21 dead birds that recently washed up on Hong Kong's shores tested positive for the deadly strain of bird flu, the government said Wednesday.
Officials were investigating whether the birds came from mainland China, where five people have died from the H5N1 virus this year.
A dead goose and two dead ducks were found infected with H5N1, blamed for killing at least 254 people worldwide since 2003, the Hong Kong government said in a statement.
All 21 birds were found around Hong Kong's Lantau Island in the past week. Tests have also shown two birds were free of the virus. The others, including nine found Tuesday, were waiting to be tested.
The latest findings added fuel to fears the dead birds might have come from mainland China, where the H5N1 strain has recently infected at least eight people.
"The finding of eight human infections in one month is an indicator of something unusual has happened in mainland China," said infectious disease specialist Lo Wing-lok in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has recorded no human bird flu cases this year, but seven people have died since the territory's biggest outbreak in 1997. The last death was in February 2003.
Lo said the dead birds might have washed ashore from neighboring Guangdong province.

In China, no sick poultry have been found in the areas where the patients fell ill this year, despite officials inspecting hundreds of thousands of birds.
While the disease remains hard for humans to catch, scientists have warned if outbreaks among poultry are not controlled, the virus may mutate into a form more easily passed between people, possibly triggering a pandemic that could kill millions worldwide.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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');if(window.print){window.print()}else{alert('To print his page press Ctrl-P on your keyboard \nor choose print from your browser or device after clicking OK');}}</SCRIPT>URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29016034/

[HenryN]

Re: Hong Kong - Poultry/animals/wild birds H5N1 Dec. 18, 2008 +

Deadly H5N1 avian flu found in Hong Kong birds

</ABBR>

<!-- end .byline --><!-- end: .hd --><CITE class=caption>AFP/File – Health Authority workers rest after taking part in a mass chicken slaughter operation at a wholesale … </CITE>

<!-- end #main-media -->
<!-- end .primary-media -->
<!-- end .related-media -->HONG KONG (AFP) – A dead goose and two dead ducks found on a Hong Kong island last week have tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu, officials said Wednesday.
The birds were found on January 29 and 31 on a beach on Lantau island and preliminary tests showed they had tested positive for H5 avian influenza.
Further tests confirmed it was the H5N1 strain of the virus, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said in a statement.
Two more dead chickens were collected on the island Wednesday, the spokesman said, adding that preliminary tests for the H5 virus were being arranged.
Earlier, officials said a total of 17 dead birds had washed up on beaches on the mostly rural island in recent days.
H5N1 was found in a chicken at a Hong Kong poultry farm in December, prompting the slaughter of more than 90,000 chickens.
Hong Kong was the scene of the world's first reported major H5N1 bird flu outbreak among humans in 1997, when six people died. The deadly virus has killed about 250 people worldwide since late 2003.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090204/wl_asia_afp/healthfluhongkong

[sharon sanders]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

hat tip Senior Moderator Fla Medic -

Carcasses of a goose and two ducks tested positive for H5 virus
************************************************** ******** Preliminary testing of a dead goose and two dead ducks found in Sha Lo Wan, Lantau has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (January 31), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.

The carcasses of a goose and a duck were found and collected on January 29 at a beach near Sha Lo Wan football pitch. They were highly decomposed when being found. Today AFCD staff collected another dead duck at the same location.

The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometres of where the carcasses were found. This morning AFCD staff conducted inspection of the beach and the nearby villages of Sha Lo Wan Tsuen and Sha Lo Wan San Tsuen. There was no evidence of any backyard poultry being kept there.

AFCD is very concerned about the incident and will continue to monitor the situation. Inspections of the beach and its vicinity will be stepped up. The department is looking into different possibilities of why the goose and duck carcasses were found at the beach, including whether they had been washed ashore or dumped.

The spokesman said a ban on backyard poultry has been in force since 2006. Unauthorised keeping of five kinds of poultry -chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons or quails – is an offence with a maximum fine of $50,000. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $100,000.

"The public can call 1823 Call Centre for follow up if they come across suspicious sick or dead birds, including carcasses of wild birds and poultry," the spokesman said.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) is contacting relevant parties and has put them under medical surveillance. People are advised to consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of 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.

"In view of the case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons have also been reminded to take proper precautions," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said that the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms, the wholesale market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden 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.

DH will enhance 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 strictly implement preventive and control measures against avian influenza.

Ends/Saturday, January 31, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:26

[sharon sanders]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

Hong Kong Yuen Long farm explosion of bird flu, suspected due to faecal contamination of birds. （图片来源：文汇报） (Photo Source: Wen Wei Po)
【点击查看其它图片】 【Click to view other picture】

中新网1月6日电据香港《文汇报》报道，香港元朗凤降村一个鸡场上月证实爆发禽流感，特区政府专家小组已完 成初步调查。

By January 6, according to Xinhua in Hong Kong, "Wen Wei Po" reported that the Hong Kong Fung Kong Tsuen, Yuen Long, a chicken farm last month, confirmed the outbreak of avian flu, the SAR Government Expert Group has completed the initial investigation. 渔农自然护理署表示，预计小组本周内将报告提交食物及卫生局。

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said the group is expected this week to submit the report to the Food and Health Bureau.

有消息指出，报告没有提到和走私鸡有关，引致事件的原因，有可能是农场生物保安措施做得不足，令野鸟的粪便 有机会掉在农场或附近范围，散播病毒。

Sources pointed out that the report did not mention the chicken and smuggling-related, resulting in the incident, there may be farm biosecurity measures have not done enough, so that the faeces of wild birds have the opportunity to swap the farm or in the vicinity of the scope of the spread of the virus.

由香港大学微生物学系系主任袁国勇、港大实验动物中心主任劳敬信、渔护署助理署长薛汉宗等专家组成的研究流 行病理学调查小组，早前曾到肇事的凤降村鸡场视察，调查禽流感病毒的源头及入侵途径。

By the Hong Kong University microbiology Yuen Kwok-yung, Head, Department of Hong Kong director of the Center for Laboratory Animal labor Jingxin, AFCD Assistant Director Dr Thomas Sit research experts such as epidemiological investigation team of the incident earlier in Fung Kong Tsuen farm inspections to investigate the source of the avian flu virus and the invasion of ways. 据悉，专家小组怀疑防雀网有穿洞孔，令到野鸟有机会散播病毒，使鸡舍受到污染。

It is learned that the expert group of suspected anti-bird nets have holes holes, so that wild birds have the opportunity to spread the virus, so that sheds be contaminated.

而农场内部分生物保安措施仍有改善空间，报告初步提出了逾10项建议，希望防止禽流感再次爆发 。

And farm biosecurity measures are still some room for improvement, the report put forward more than 10 recommendations to prevent another outbreak of avian flu.

不过，鸡场场主黄宜全表示，防雀网在2个月前才更换，而农场范围都放有消毒粉，但相信仍有机会是野鸟的鸟粪 导致鸡只感染病毒。

However, Dr farmer said that the anti-bird nets in two months ago to replace, and the scope of all farms have put disinfectant, it is believed that there are still opportunities for wild birds led to the guano chickens infected with a virus.

他说：?雀仔拉屎下去(鸡舍)，但未必一下子完全通过防雀网跌下去，而雀屎有多残留分泌物，或是粘在网上再 跌下去。?他续称，现时已用铁皮覆盖外露的防雀网。

He said: "bird **** go (sheds), but not necessarily all of a sudden entirely through or go on anti-bird nets, and bird feces have residual secretions, or stick it in the fall line." He added that at present We have spent over the exposed metal cover anti-bird nets.

黄宜全又说，现时仍要为鸡场进行消毒清洗，而较早前到场视察的官员和专家则建议，最先爆发禽流感的鸡棚，其 防雀网应改用密封物料，每批鸡只也应用不同手套处理，防止病毒交叉感染。

Dr Quan also said that, at present, disinfection of chicken farms still cleaning, and earlier to inspect the officials and experts suggested that the first outbreak of avian flu in sheds, and its anti-bird nets should switch to seal materials, the chickens Applications are also dealing with different gloves to prevent cross infection.

肇事鸡场上月9日证实爆发H5N1禽流感，要销毁鸡场及附近的一个鸡场共8万只活鸡，全港要暂停活鸡供应2 1天。

Farm accident on the 9th of last month confirmed that the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, it is necessary to destroy a nearby chicken farms and chicken farms a total of 80,000 live chickens in Hong Kong to suspend the supply of live chickens to 21 days.

渔护署发言人5日呼吁市民切勿非法散养家禽，否则会被检控。

An AFCD spokesman said on the 5th to urge the public not illegal backyard poultry, or risk prosecution.

渔护署人员5日在八乡七星岗村巡查，发现一名女子在家中非法饲养12只活鸡。

AFCD staff on the 5th Sing Kong Tsuen, Pat Heung, inspect and found a woman at home, illegal keeping of live chickens 12. 检获的活鸡被送往位于上水的动物管理中心，在抽取样本后，已全数销毁。

The seizure was sent to live in Sheung Shui Animal Management Center, in the samples, we have all the destruction.

发言人说，任何人如未经许可而散养活家禽(鸡、鸭、鹅、鸽和鹌鹑)均属违法，违者最高可被罚款5万至10万 元。 The spokesman said that any unauthorized person who scattered to feed poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons and quails) is an offense liable to a maximum fine of 5-10000 yuan.

http://auto.chinanews.com.cn/ga/kjww/news/2009/01-06/1515391.shtml

[HenryN]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=bottom align=left>Sparrows living at Yuen Long farm linked to latest bird flu outbreak


</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=bottom align=left>


</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999999 height=1></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD>Ella Lee
Jan 06, 2009
</TD></TR><TR><TD>Experts who visited the Yuen Long chicken farm at the centre of the latest bird flu outbreak found important evidence flying around - sparrows....

http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2c913216495213d5df646910cba0a0a0/?vgnextoid=e81ea6bf3a7ae110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=teaser&ss=hong+kong&s=news

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The above story does not identify H5N1 in sparrows, but does note that sparrows had come through small openings in barriers designed to keep wild birds segregated from the poultry, and the barriers failed to keep sparrows from the chickens.

Recommendations were made for improved biosecurity, which included eliminating the holes.

[HenryN]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=bottom align=left>Sparrows living at Yuen Long farm linked to latest bird flu outbreak

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=bottom align=left>

</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999999 height=1></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD>Ella Lee
Jan 06, 2009 </TD></TR><TR><TD>Experts who visited the Yuen Long chicken farm at the centre of the latest bird flu outbreak found important evidence flying around - sparrows....

http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2c913216495213d5df646910cba0a0a0/?vgnextoid=e81ea6bf3a7ae110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=teaser&ss=hong+kong&s=news

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[HenryN]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

Wild birds likely cause of avian flu outbreak
Nickkita Lau
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
A recent bird flu outbreak was likely caused by droppings from migrating wild birds rather than from smuggled ones, experts believe.
A government-appointed committee has completed its initial investigation into the deaths of 200 chickens in a Yuen Long farm early last month, which led to a cull of 100,000 birds and a 21-day ban on the sale of fresh fowl. The report will be submitted to the Food and Health Bureau this week.
According to a source, the report studied several possible factors behind the contamination but concluded there was no evidence linking it to smuggling activities. It was more likely caused by contaminated feces dropped by migrating birds inside the farm or nearby area, the report said. It may have stuck onto a worker's garment and was carried into the farm, it said.
ADVERTISEMENT

Veterinarians and experts of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department who visited the farm found room for improvement in some of the biosecurity measures already in place. They made 10 suggestions to prevent another outbreak.
Another source said biosecurity and vaccines are the two most important things farms need to control in order to prevent bird flu outbreaks.
The source said it was questionable whether all chickens on the farm were vaccinated, but that trying to identify the real cause of the infection was challenging since much of the evidence had been lost during the cull.
The owner, Wong Yee-chuen, said the farm is still being sanitized and cannot resume operations until the government is satisfied with the hygiene conditions.
The AFCD suggested that a metal cover be built for the chicken houses to avoid droppings of migrating birds. It also suggested workers change gloves when handling different lots of chickens to prevent cross contamination.
Wong said he welcomed all suggestions made by the committee as long as they were viable and reasonable. Workers, from now on, will wear thin plastics gloves on top of cotton ones.
He said the outbreak and the aftermath has cost him HK$2 million to HK$3 million.

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=76644&sid=22119405&con_type=1

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

Chilled chickens hidden in the vegetables to muddle through

Ocean News Time: 2008-12-24 Source: Guangzhou Daily Author:阮晓光

By (Xinhua阮晓光correspondent李慧颖) from Sha Tau Kok yesterday's Frontier Inspection Station was informed that in recent days, the station and seized part of suppliers to do to cover up the use of vegetables, chickens muddle through smuggled into Hong Kong. In order to prevent the spread of avian influenza virus, the station has increased entry and exit ports passengers, vehicles carrying goods inspections to crack down on smuggling of live food.

It is understood that these seized suppliers are generally mixed with the chilled container Brassica styrofoam box, and then the illegal purchase of vegetables, CO, so to cover up the use of vegetables, chickens muddle through smuggled into Hong Kong , supply the Hong Kong restaurant.

These untested likely smuggled chilled with avian flu virus.

Shenzhen border sector, said as a result of approach of the festive season, the chickens supplied to Hong Kong, the demand for increased smuggling activities become more rampant, driven by profit.

During the festival together with a substantial increase in passenger traffic, inspection difficult, smugglers since that has come to a "golden opportunity", repeatedly scraped.

Border sector that will, together with the customs, inspection and quarantine and other relevant departments to take joint action, increase of vehicles, especially private cars body checks to prevent some "water off" the use of private cars, "蚂蚁搬家" to carry out fresh food smuggling.

http://gzdaily.dayoo.com/html/2008-12/24/content_419254.htm

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

Data: a chicken farm in Yuen Long has found that chickens infected with avian flu, the Hong Kong market on December 10 provisional supply of live chickens. China issued photo Tan Tat-ming

BEIJING, Dec. 19, according to Xinhua in Hong Kong, "Wen Wei Po" reported that the University of Hong Kong to complete the outbreak of the avian flu epidemic farms gene sequencing of the virus, preliminary results showed that the farm is no avian influenza virus gene variant, and the virus was found with the mainland species Different. Instead, the Hong Kong market and the recent outbreak of bird flu, as well as a similar virus found in wild birds.

Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau said that the need to further investigate the possibility of chicken smuggling, but said to be launched at the 30th day of the month to resume the supply of live chickens.

18 Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene Panel, the Food and Health Bureau deputy director of the Gabriel Leung said, are investigating the outbreak of bird flu farm in Yuen Long incident. Hong Kong and the preliminary results of sequencing the virus gene and found that the bird flu virus belonging to the Fujian-H5N1, but no significant signs of mutation, and other inspections of the farm, there have been no reports of infected chickens.

Gabriel Leung said that the expert's report to be completed, and depending on the surrounding areas, including the risk of avian influenza in the Mainland, if there is no outbreak of bird flu, is expected to retail outlets on the 30th of this month to resume the sale of live chickens. He also said that no plan to grant temporary licenses back to the chicken vendors, but it will speed up the processing of license applications for chilled chickens.

Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Assistant Director Dr Thomas Sit said that the virus caused the farms, markets and the recent discovery of avian flu and similar viruses found in wild birds, and species are not found in the mainland, Hong Kong is believed to be at or near the region into the Farms still can not rule out the possibility of smuggling of chicken, so we have to wait until after the results of the report as confirmation.

At the meeting on the 18th, more than Members of the view that the Government should step up measures to control bird flu. Mr Wong Kwok Kin questioned whether the inflow of smuggled chickens, the spread of bird flu. Mr Tommy and said that the current vaccine for chicken is no longer valid, asked the Government to develop new vaccines as soon as possible. Gabriel Leung said the panel of experts is assessing the effectiveness of the vaccine to determine whether or not applicable to Hong Kong, the units are in close communication with Customs to intercept smuggling of chicken import.

Gabriel Leung said the SAR Government's concern at the Spring Festival period, the wholesale market due to leave rather than live chicken wholesale. Relevant parties will, in consultation with the wholesalers and retailers, arrangements for the wholesale market in 30 years, the Chinese New Year Day and night, continue to function, so that Japan's Nissin chicken retail vendors in the Spring Festival period to pick up the wholesale market.

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/ga/kjww/news/2008/12-19/1494285.shtml

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

subscription source, just a snip

Fujian strain of bird flu responsible for Yuen Long outbreak


Mary Ann Benitez

Dec 19, 2008

The H5N1 bird flu virus that killed hundreds of unvaccinated and vaccinated birds in a Yuen Long farm in just a few hours was the Fujian strain, a further indication that the virus is local. ...

http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2c913216495213d5df646910cba0a0a0/?vgnextoid=21e689082ca4e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=teaser&s=news

[Shiloh]

Re: Hong Kong reports bird flu outbreak

Source: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_d...514&con_type=3

Dead chickens get H5N1 mutation all-clear

Adele Wong

Friday, December 19, 2008


The H5N1 virus found in dead chickens in a Yuen Long farm had not mutated, Undersecretary for Food and Health Gabriel Leung told the Legislative Council's panel on food safety and environmental hygiene yesterday.

The genetic sequencing of the bird flu virus detected in the farm on December 9 did not contain obvious differences from previous viruses, Leung told the panel.

Leung also said more tests were needed to find out how the chickens contracted the virus.

There was also good news for the public - live chickens can be sold again as early as December 30 if things go smoothly.

The early end to the normal 21-day no-chicken ban means the birds will once again be on the menu for Lunar New Year family festivities.

Meanwhile, an Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department spokeswoman yesterday explained why the government has been using an H5N2 vaccine manufactured in the Netherlands to protect local chickens from the flu since 2003, even though recent outbreaks showed the virus strain to be subtype H5N1. She said when vaccines were first introduced to local chicken farms, tests had shown the H5N2 vaccine to be effective against the viruses found in South China.

"The H5N2 vaccine is also effective against H5N1 viruses," the spokeswoman said, adding that in 2006, the government had let US authorities test the vaccine, which also showed it is effective for use in southern China.

"However, no vaccine is 100 percent effective. The government has set up an
investigation group on avian influenza to look into the matter," she said.