Grey heron found H5 positive in HK

HONG KONG, Dec. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- A grey heron found in Hong Kong earlier has been confirmed an H5 avian flu suspect, and further tests are underway for the nature of the virus, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said Saturday.

The department collected the bird in Lok Ma Chau on Dec. 3. Appearing to be sick at the time, it was sent to the New Territories North Animal Management Center for isolation and observation. It died the following day.

A post-mortem later at the department's Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory showed the bird was an H5 suspect. Subsequent tests on the bird all indicated an H5 positive result.

As a precautionary measure, Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection has traced all six staff who had contact with the bird, and found they are in good health. Their medical condition will be monitored over the next few days.

As a safety measure, all poultry farms within five kilometers of the place where the bird was found have been inspected. There have been no abnormal deaths and the chickens show no symptoms of bird flu.

Grey herons are a frequent winter visitor, but rarely visit Hong Kong in the summer. They are not a resident species in Hong Kong.

Source: en.ivdc.gov.cn