February 8, 2006

Bird flu suspected in dead chicken and egret in Hong Kong
 

Bird flu was suspected in the deaths of a chicken and egret found in suburban Hong Kong, and both fowls were being tested Wednesday for the strain that can be deadly in humans, officials said.

The tests could take several days, said spokesman Albert Hui of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

Five other birds have been found dead from the H5N1 strain in recent weeks.

The chicken and egret were found Tuesday in suburban Tuen Mun district, a government statement said.

The news came as the government sought to reduce risks of an outbreak by banning people from raising poultry at home. The ban, which fines offenders up to HKD$100,000 (US$12,900), starts Feb 13.

Last year, Hong Kong officials found avian flu in birds such as heron, magpie and crested mynah.

Hong Kong's last bird flu outbreak in 1997 killed six people, prompting the government to slaughter 1.5 million poultry.