December 14, 2004

Dead Heron In Hong Kong Tests Positive For Bird Flu

A dead grey heron found near Hong Kong's border with mainland China has tested positive for bird flu in the third such case in the territory this year, the government reported Monday.

The heron, which was found 10 days ago in the Lok Ma Chau area, was confirmed to be stricken with the H5N1 virus that has killed more than 30 people in Asia this year.

All 20 poultry farms within 3.1 miles of where the heron was found were inspected by health offical and the birds there showed no symptoms of avian flu, the statement said.

Last month, another grey heron with the H5N1 virus was found in the same area. In January, a dead peregrine falcon tested postive for bird flu.

Hong Kong hasn't been hit by the bird flu outbreak this year.

Avian flu ravaged Asia earlier this year, killing millions of birds. The H5N1 strain also jumped to humans, killing 32 people in Vietnam and Thailand.

The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that if the current avian flu virus mutates it could easily lead to the next global flu pandemic.