June 20, 2006

China reports fresh H5N1 outbreak in poultry

A new outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus has been reported in chickens in northern China, the official Xinhua News Agency said Monday (Jun 19).

The outbreak occurred in poultry farms in Shanxi province's Changzi county, Xinhua said, citing the Agriculture Ministry.

The report said the outbreak was detected after chickens died in those farms, but didn't say when the birds were infected or how many had died.

Tests confirmed the birds were infected by the H5N1 virus, the ministry said.

Local authorities have quarantined the infected area, and were disinfecting the area and culling poultry, the report said.

China has reported more than 30 outbreaks of H5N1 in domestic and migratory birds since October.