Hong Kong informs OIE of ten bird flu cases

Hong Kong's veterinary authorities have immediately notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) regarding the ten cases of highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI).

The first outbreak was on January 29 where one goose and one duck were found dead on a beach at Sha Lo Wan. Two days later, another dead duck was found at the same location, followed by one dead chicken on February 2.

Three chickens and two ducks were subsequently found dead around Hong Kong, bringing the number of affected poultry to nine. Three wild birds were also affected: a grey heron, a peregrine falcon and a crow. All the birds had died.

The most recent case was reported on February 4.

H5N1, a sub-type of the HPAI virus has been confirmed in the outbreaks.