June 10, 2005

Bird flu outbreak in Xinjiang, China confirmed to be deadly strain

The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that the bird flu outbreak in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was caused by the deadly H5N1 strain. A total of 1,042 geese were affected and 460 of them died.

Jia Youling, director general of the Veterinary Bureau of the ministry said the outbreak has been under full control and the source of agent is currently being investigated.

Hong Kong has meanwhile suspended all imports of poultry from the province.