November 4, 2004

Dead Grey Heron in Hong Kong Had Bird Flu Virus

The Hong Kong government confirmed on Wednesday that a dead grey heron found the day before has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus. The dead bird was discovered near the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

According to Richard Rubira, a senior veterinary official at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, "There is no way to know where the bird came from."

The H5N1 strain of avian flu has killed 32 people in the region this year, according to the Hong Kong government.