February 3, 2011

More dead chickens test H5N1 positive in Hong Kong

Two chicken carcasses in Hong Kong’s Tai O were found positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus, the city's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department spokesman said Wednesday (Feb 3).

The chicken carcasses were collected at a beach near Po Chue Tam, Yeung Hau Temple, Tai O on January 28. They were highly decomposed when found and required a series of tests before H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed Wednesday (Feb 3).

The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometers of where the dead chickens were found.

To minimize the risk of avian influenza outbreaks, he said, all relevant government departments would continue to remain highly vigilant and strictly enforce preventive measures against avian influenza, such as reinforcing health education and striving to deter illegal imports of poultry and birds into Hong Kong.