Wild bird found dead with H5N1 in HK shopping district

[Dutchy]

Wild bird found dead with H5 in HK shopping district

04 Jan 2007 10:16:22 GMT


HONG KONG, Jan 4 (Reuters) - A wild bird found dead in a shopping district in Hong Kong has tested positive for H5 avian influenza and government experts said on Thursday it might have been infected by migratory birds flocking south.

"Preliminary tests show H5 but we will make further tests to confirm ... if it's H5N1," said a government spokesman.

The munia was found dead along with five others in Causeway Bay district on New Year's Eve, but the others tested negative.

"This is a local bird. It is possible that migratory birds, while stopping here, could have come into contact with our local birds and infected them," said Thomas Sit, assistant director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

The H5N1 virus made its first known jump to humans in Hong Kong in 1997, killing six people. So far, it cannot be passed easily from human to human, but experts fear the virus could mutate and cause a pandemic, killing millions.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HKG180216.htm

[AlaskaDenise]

Location....

[AlaskaDenise]

Although it appears full of sky-scrapers, Victoria Park is in the middle of the high-density area.

[Dutchy]

Not the first time to find H5 in a HongKong munia:

Fujian H5N1Bird Flu Spread to Hong Kong

Recombinomics Commentary
August 10, 2006

Earler this year there were reports of H5N1 bird flu in various wild birds in Hong Kong. Today the sequences of those isolates were released at Los Alamos. The released sequences were from poultry and wild bird isolates. All HA sequences were 98-99% identical with the Fujian strain of H5N1 which had been reported in patients in China in 2005 and 2006.

In addition, H5N1 sequences from Laos and Malaysia were also released earlier and those sequences were also closely related to the sequences from the patients in China. The HA sequence has a novel cleavage site which is missing a K. H5N1 sequences from China missing a K in the HA cleavage site have been reported since late 2003. These sequences have bee frequently found in Hunan and Fujian province as well as the quarantined birds in England.

However. most of these isolates have a slightly different gene sequence, although the sequence of the cleavage site is the same, RERRRKR. The Fujian bird isolate, A/Duck/Fujian/1734/05 however, has the genetic match for the human sequences. This genetic match is also in the sequences from Laos, Malaysia, and the newly deposited sequences from Hong Kong (see list below).

The widespread presence of the Fujian sequence in China, Hong Kong, and southeast Asia is cause for concern. New bird and human cases are being reported in Thailand, and bird outbreaks have recently been reported in Laos and Vietnam.

More information on the sequences of these isolates would be useful. Indonesia is also reporting new outbreaks in birds and humans. However, the human cases have a novel HA cleavage site, RESRRKKR, which does not match the Fujian sequence or any other public sequence, including the sequences deposited today from the lab in Australia,

ISDN184026 A/chicken/Hong Kong/947/2006 2006 H5N1
ISDN138756 A/chicken/Malaysia/935/2006 2006 H5N1
ISDN184030 A/Common Magpie/Hong Kong/645/2006 2006 H5N1
ISDN138780 A/duck/Laos/3295/2006 2006 H5N1
ISDN184028 A/Japanese White Eye/Hong Kong/1038/06 2006 H5N1
ISDN184024 A/Munia/Hong Kong/2454/2006 2006 H5N1
DQ643809 A/Zhejiang/16/2006 2006 H5N1
DQ371928 A/Anhui/1/2005 2005 H5N1
DQ371929 A/Anhui/2/2005 2005 H5N1
DQ095629 A/Duck/Fujian/1734/05 2005 H5N1
DQ371930 A/Guangxi/1/2005 2005 H5N1

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/08...Fujian_HK.html

[Dutchy]

Tests on dead bird in Hong Kong point to avian flu

HONG KONG (AFP) - Early results of tests being carried out on the carcass of a wild bird found in Hong Kong indicated it was infected with H5 avian influenza, the government has said.

Six carcasses of a local species of wild bird called scaly-breasted munia were found in the busy shopping area of Causeway Bay on Sunday.

Only one tested positive for the virus, but further tests were being conducted on all six, said Thomas Sit, assistant director of the agricultural department.

Sit said winter time was the migratory bird season, posing higher risks for bird flu.

"I suspect many animal health authorities around the world (believe) that migratory birds may be the first to carry the viruses," he said Thursday.

While he reminded the public to observe good personal hygiene, Sit said patrols around wet markets -- where the dead infected bird was found -- would be stepped up.

He urged local farmers, pet traders and owners to take necessary precautionary measures and avoid contact with wild birds.

Sit said inspections would also be stepped up in villages, where poultry might be kept. A curb on so-called backyard farming was enacted last year following the discovery of eight birds and chickens that had died of the H5N1 virus.

Hong Kong was the scene of the world's first reported major bird flu outbreak among humans in 1997, when six people died of the then unknown mutation of the avian flu virus

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070104...g_070104112655

[AlaskaDenise]

http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/h...104en05002.htm

January 4, 2007

Avian flu

Anti-bird flu measures enhanced

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has bolstered inspection and control measures against avian flu after one of six bird carcasses found on Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, tested positive for the H5 virus. Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Dr Thomas Sit told reporters today more tests are being conducted on the dead spotted munias collected on December 31. He expects results in the coming days. As they are a wild bird residing in Hong Kong, they are more vulnerable to avian flu from January to March due to cross-contamination with migratory birds. The department has enhanced checks on farms and pet shops, with no abnormal incidents observed so far. Farm and shop owners have been urged to be vigilant and adopt bio-security measures, while their workers should ensure good hygiene. More measures Meanwhile, inspection of imported poultry and market stalls will be strengthened, and doctors will be informed of the latest situation. They must notify the Centre for Health Protection of any suspected avian flu cases. To stop people keeping backyard poultry, Dr Sit said a new round of village inspections will be conducted. He called on the public to ensure good hygiene, avoiding contact with and feeding wild birds. People should wash their hands thoroughly. .

[Anne]

http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/bird...ta.htmMangrove and wetland wildlife at

Main features: Small (11cm) with big heads; large conical bills; brown scaled feathers on white breast and flanks; upperparts plain brown; rump often has greyish tinge; face and throat dusky brown. Genders look alike.

Photo from Morten Strange

Juvenile: Upperparts brown; underparts buffy. Call: A wide variety of calls for keeping in contact or to express alarm. Described as a disyllabic tut-few; tit-ti, sieuw; or faint kee-dee. In flight: Rapid fluctuating flight, gliding into cover. Similar birds: The juveniles of various Munia species look alike. Scaly-breasted juveniles often flock with juveniles of other species. Status in Singapore: Very resident common throughout the island and North and South offshore islands. World distribution: India to Taiwan and the Philippines. Introduced in some countries. Classification: Family Passeridae, some place them in a separate family of Estrildidae. World 386 species, Singapore 16 species. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Scaly-breasted Mannikin/Finch, Spotted Munia, Spice Bird/Finch, Nutmeg Finch, Pipit Pinang (Malay) Scaly-breasted Munias are among the most common Munias and are now quite common in Singapore too. They are found even in urban areas as well as cultivated lands, grasslands, scrub, secondary growth. But they were not so common in earlier records, suggesting that they could have been introduced. Scaly-breasted Munias specialise in eating grass seeds and sedges, and have large conical beaks adapted for this purpose. They feed both on seeding heads on grass stems, as well as on ripe seeds that have fallen to the ground. They may also snack on small berries, such as those of the Lantana bush. Some have been seen picking at road kills. Scaly-breasted Munias are highly gregarious and forage in small flocks, sometimes with other Munia species.

[Dutchy]

Hong Kong wild bird has H5N1 virus

Hong Kong (dpa) - A wild bird found dead in urban Hong Kong has tested positive for the avian flu virus, government officials confirmed Thursday.

The bird, discovered in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong island, is the first this winter to be discovered in Hong Kong with the virus which has killed 157 people mainly in Asia since 2003.

Dr Thomas Sit of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, said tests on the bird revealed it had died of the H5N1 virus and that it could signal the start of the bird flu season in Hong Kong.

"I would suspect, as would many animal health authorities in the world, that migratory birds may be the first to carry the virus and then infect wild birds," he said.

He said doctors had been asked to watch for possible human cases while his staff would step up monitoring of the wild bird population.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_....php?id=115751

[canagica]

None of the posted articles mentions that these birds were found in a wet market (i.e. a more likely source of infection than flocking with wild birds).

Furthermore, scaly-breasted munias are also a common cage bird sold in markets in other asian countries like Thailand (talked about in this article from scidev.net). Without detailed information on these birds (age, sex, molt, etc.) it would be hard to know for sure if they were even wild.

If anyone out there is in Hong Kong, it would be great if you could shed some light on whether munias are also common cage birds in HK.

[Dutchy]

There is a wetmarket at Causeway Bay:

Causeway Bay

Bordered by Victoria Park, a typhoon shelter, the Hong Kong Stadium and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Causeway Bay is one of the busiest areas of Hong Kong by day or night. Modern department stores stand alongside open-air markets, cooked-food stalls, cinemas, bars and restaurants.

http://www.asiatravel.com/hknut2.html


Hong Kong has many wet markets and if you have never been to one, you are in for a treat! Yes, all five of your senses will be activated! I personally like the one in Causeway Bay (near Times Square)

http://theculinarychase.blogspot.com...et-market.html

[HenryN]

Originally Posted by canagica

None of the posted articles mentions that these birds were found in a wet market (i.e. a more likely source of infection than flocking with wild birds).

Furthermore, scaly-breasted munias are also a common cage bird sold in markets in other asian countries like Thailand (talked about in this article from scidev.net). Without detailed information on these birds (age, sex, molt, etc.) it would be hard to know for sure if they were even wild.

If anyone out there is in Hong Kong, it would be great if you could shed some light on whether munias are also common cage birds in HK.

These are from wild birds and happen every year at this time in Hong Kong. The prime mover of H5N1 sequences is wild birds and the infection of these birds every year at this time has nothing to do with wet markets.

In 2003/2004 new sequences flew into Hong Kong that were not present in 2001. Wild birds transport the sequences, and recombimnation drives the evolution of H5N1 (via acquistion of polymorphisms from wild birds).

[HenryN]

A wild bird found in Causeway Bay has tested positive for the H5 virus. An assistant director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Thomas Sit, says the discovery may signal the beginning of the bird flu season here. Doctor Sit said doctors would be asked to watch for suspected human cases of avian flu, while his staff would increase monitoring.

http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/eng...0104&56&369073

(audio at above link)

[Jonesie]

IMAGES OF MUNIAS:

http://www.orientalbirdimages.org/se...t&Bird_ID=1885

http://www.orientalbirdimages.org/se...t&Bird_ID=1898

AND MANY MORE MUNIA:
http://www.orientalbirdimages.org/se...&keyword=MUNIA

[Blue]

Originally Posted by Jonesie

IMAGES OF MUNIAS:

http://www.orientalbirdimages.org/se...t&Bird_ID=1885

http://www.orientalbirdimages.org/se...t&Bird_ID=1898

AND MANY MORE MUNIA:
http://www.orientalbirdimages.org/se...&keyword=MUNIA

I think that they sell these finches at my local Petsmart. I thought it looked familiar. They say that they are not wild caught, but rather bred for sale. Looks like the same bird with the scaley breast.

[HenryN]

Commentary at

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/01...1_HK_2007.html

[Mellie]

Commentary

H5N1 in Wild Bird in Hong Kong
Recombinomics Commentary
January 4, 2007

Dr Thomas Sit of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, said tests on the bird revealed it had died of the H5N1 virus and that it could signal the start of the bird flu season in Hong
Kong.

"I would suspect, as would many animal health authorities in the world, that migratory birds may be the first to carry the virus and then infect wild
birds," he said.


The above comments describe the first reported case of H5N1 in 2007. The finding was not unexpected. Each season migratory birds pass through Hong Kong at this time of the year, and H5N1 infected dead wild birds are typically found. Last year the birds were infected with the Fujian (Clade 2 sub clade 3) strain of H5N1, and similar findings would be expected, although the Qinghai strain has been reported in South Korea, so that strain may also be expanding to the south. In the recent PNAS report, only one Qinghai isolate was reported for southern China, but the limit detection was likely due to the source of the samples, which was largely limited to wet markets.

The new season will lead to new polymorphisms, as was seen in the human H5N1 isolate in Egypt. That isolate had M230I, which is adjacent to the receptor binding domain and is found in all three human serotypes (H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B). The new acquisition creates an exact match with positions 226-230 (QSGRI) in influenza B.

Recently, the largest cluster reported to date in Egypt was just 12 miles from the index case, suggesting M230I will also be present in that cluster. This would be a cause for concern because other changes in the receptor binding domain were found in Qinghai isolates from patients in Egypt (S227N), Turkey (S227N), Azerbaijan (N186K), and Iraq (N186S and Q196R). In addition V223I has been found in a bar-headed goose in Mongolia, and K222R was in a cat in Dagestan. Similarly A188E has been found in chickens in Lagos while A189E has been found in an ostrich in Nigeria. The chnages have also been found in H5N1 isolates in northern, and southern China, which link to migratory birds carrying the Qinghai strain.

Since all of these changes in or near the receptor binding domain in Qinghai isolates, which also has PB2 E627K, migration of these sequences into new regions are likely to cause new problems.

[MHSC]

Hong Kong on Bird Flu Alert
Hong Kong was on bird flu alert Friday after a wild bird found in a busy shopping area was tested positive for the avian flu virus .

Officials confirmed Thursday that preliminary testing of a dead bird found in Causeway Bay had indicated it was suspected to have died of H5 avian influenza.

Further confirmatory tests are being conducted, but officials have stepped up monitoring and precautionary measures and advised doctors to be on the lookout for human cases.

The carcass of the Scaly-breasted Munia was one of six dead birds found in the same area.

A spokesperson for the agriculture, fisheries and conservation department said they would conduct a fresh round of visits to local poultry farms and pet bird shops to ensure precautionary measures against bird flu were in place.

"In view of this suspected case, we have phoned poultry farmers reminding them to maintain precautions against avian influenza. Letters have also been issued to the farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken," he said.

"We will visit villages again to ensure that no poultry is being kept illegally."

This is the first case to be discovered in wild birds in Hong Kong since March last year.

Between Jan 10 and March 22 2006, 15 wild birds, one backyard chicken and a chicken smuggled from China tested positive for the virus.

However, no human cases were detected of the deadly virus, which according to the WHO has killed 157 people, mainly in Asia, since 2003.

Hong Kong has stringent precautionary measures in place to guard against an outbreak of bird flu since 1997 when the virus crossed the species barrier in the former British colony and infected 18 people, of which six died.

Source-IANS
SRM

http://www.medindia.net/news/view_main_print_new.asp

[canagica]

Originally Posted by niman

These are from wild birds and happen every year at this time in Hong Kong. The prime mover of H5N1 sequences is wild birds and the infection of these birds every year at this time has nothing to do with wet markets.

In 2003/2004 new sequences flew into Hong Kong that were not present in 2001. Wild birds transport the sequences, and recombimnation drives the evolution of H5N1 (via acquistion of polymorphisms from wild birds).

I can appreciate the fact that migratory birds may play a role in the dispersal of H5N1 to new locations; however, to outright dismiss the role of poultry density and importation, fomite contamination, and the wild bird trade with an offhand comment about wet markets having "nothing to do" with it is a bit flippant.

For example, nearly every year in the days leading up to the solstice, the importation of poultry into HK from the mainland doubles (check out the news report here). Hmmmm. That sort of got me thinking that, maybe, just maybe, there are some other logical, rational, and valid hypotheses about H5N1 vectors, that are based on something other than arm-waving.

[sharon sanders]

There are several ways to introduce a new viral strain into an environment.

[HenryN]

Originally Posted by canagica

I can appreciate the fact that migratory birds may play a role in the dispersal of H5N1 to new locations; however, to outright dismiss the role of poultry density and importation, fomite contamination, and the wild bird trade with an offhand comment about wet markets having "nothing to do" with it is a bit flippant.

For example, nearly every year in the days leading up to the solstice, the importation of poultry into HK from the mainland doubles (check out the news report here). Hmmmm. That sort of got me thinking that, maybe, just maybe, there are some other logical, rational, and valid hypotheses about H5N1 vectors, that are based on something other than arm-waving.

The sequences are quite real and fly into Hong Kong each season.

[HenryN]

AVIAN INFLUENZA, POULTRY VS MIGRATORY BIRDS (04)
************************************************** **
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Friday, 5 Jan 2007 4:30 PM
From: Joe Dudley<JDUDLEY@EAICORP.COM>
Source: Hong Kong's Information Services Department [edited]
<http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/070104/print/070104en05002.htm>


The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has bolstered
inspection and control measures against avian flu after one of 6 bird
carcasses found on Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, tested positive for the H5
virus.

Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Dr Thomas Sit
told reporters today more tests are being conducted on the dead spotted
munias collected on 31 Dec 2006. He expects results in the coming days. As
they are a wild bird residing in Hong Kong, they are more vulnerable to
avian flu from January to March due to cross-contamination with migratory
birds.

The department has enhanced checks on farms and pet shops, with no abnormal
incidents observed so far. Farm and shop owners have been urged to be
vigilant and adopt bio-security measures, while their workers should ensure
good hygiene.

Meanwhile, inspection of imported poultry and market stalls will be
strengthened, and doctors will be informed of the latest situation. They
must notify the Centre for Health Protection of any suspected avian flu
cases. To stop people keeping backyard poultry, Dr Sit said a new round of
village inspections will be conducted. The aviaries in Hong Kong Park, the
Zoological & Botanical Gardens and Kowloon Park have been temporarily
closed. All the birds are healthy.

Precautionary measures and cleaning operations have been enhanced in all
Leisure & Cultural Services Department venues where birds congregate.

Dr Sit called on the public to ensure good hygiene, avoiding contact with
and feeding wild birds. People should wash their hands thoroughly. For more
health tips, click here.

[And from the submitter: "An interesting aspect of the most recent finding
of multiple dead munias in Hong Kong is that the "wild" bird species
involved here is also a common pet species marketed through both the
domestic and international pet trades in China, and that the HK government
is reportedly checking pet stores and aviaries for outbreaks in the wake of
this discovery.

Officials in Hong Kong appear to be acting on the possibility that these
birds could have been captive specimens dumped on the street by an owner or
trader after they died, rather than free-living wild birds.

Birds of this same genus (and perhaps species) were involved in the
outbreak that occurred in the UK quarantine facility in Essex, England
during October 2005.
<http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/pdf/ai-epidemrep111105.pdf>]"

--
Joseph P. Dudley, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist
Biosecurity and Biosurveillance
EAI Corporation
Arlington, VA 22203
<JDUDLEY@EAICORP.COM>
<DUDLEYJP@SAIC.COM>

[Wouldn't it be boring if everything was as it seemed at first. Thanks Joe.
- Mod.MHJ]

http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed..._ID:1000,35740

[HenryN]

Reality check. At this time last season, the following birds died in Hong Kong. All had the Fujian strain of H5N1.

		DQ992843	A/common magpie/Hong Kong/2125/2006	HA (4)	1695	2006	H5N1
		DQ992844	A/common magpie/Hong Kong/2256/2006	HA (4)	1695	2006	H5N1
		DQ992850	A/common magpie/Hong Kong/3033/2006	HA (4)	1695	2006	H5N1
		ISDN184030	A/Common Magpie/Hong Kong/645/2006	HA (4)	1662	2006	H5N1
		DQ992839	A/common magpie/Hong Kong/645/2006	HA (4)	1662	2006	H5N1
		DQ992838	A/crested myna/Hong Kong/540/2006	HA (4)	1671	2006	H5N1
		DQ992848	A/house crow/Hong Kong/2648/2006	HA (4)	1695	2006	H5N1
		DQ992849	A/house crow/Hong Kong/2858/2006	HA (4)	1695	2006	H5N1
		ISDN184028	A/Japanese White Eye/Hong Kong/1038/2006	HA (4)	1693	2006	H5N1
		DQ992842	A/Japanese white-eye/Hong Kong/1038/2006	HA (4)	1692	2006	H5N1
		DQ992847	A/large-billed crow/Hong Kong/2512/2006	HA (4)	1695	2006	H5N1
		DQ992840	A/little egret/Hong Kong/718/2006	HA (4)	1692	2006	H5N1
		DQ992845	A/munia/Hong Kong/2454/2006	HA (4)	1692	2006	H5N1
		ISDN184024	A/Munia/Hong Kong/2454/2006	HA (4)	1693	2006	H5N1
		DQ992837	A/robin/Hong Kong/366/2006	HA (4)	1500	2006	H5N1
		DQ992835	A/robin/Hong Kong/75/2006	HA (4)	1692	2006	H5N1
		DQ992846	A/white-backed munia/Hong Kong/2469/2006	HA (4)	1695	2006	H5N1

[HenryN]

Wild bird carcass tests positive for deadly avian flu strain in Hong Kong
The Associated Press

Saturday, January 6, 2007
HONG KONG A dead wild bird found in Hong Kong recently has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu, the government said Saturday.

Test results on the dead, scaly-breasted munia recovered from the Causeway Bay shopping and residential district on New Year's Eve were announced in a statement issued by Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

Bird flu has killed or prompted the culling of millions birds across Asia since 2003, but Hong Kong hasn't reported a major outbreak since 1997, although there have been occasional cases of the disease.
Hong Kong tested 11,000 birds for the H5 strain of bird flu in 2006 and 17 were positive.

Five other dead birds were found along with the scaly-breasted munia but none tested positive for the H5 strain, officials said earlier this week.

Hong Kong aggressively tests for bird flu because it first appeared here in 1997, when the disease jumped to humans and killed six people. That prompted the government to slaughter the entire poultry population of about 1.5 million birds.

http://www.iht.com/bin/print.php?id=4121424

[HenryN]

Title of thread should include H5N1

[HenryN]

Dead bird tests positive for H5N1

The scaly-breasted munia found dead in Causeway Bay earlier this week was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says. The carcass was collected by AFCD staff in Leighton Road following a public referral on December 31. The department reminded people to observe good personal hygiene, adding they should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Meanwhile, the department has urged the public not to release pet birds as they have little chance of surviving in the wild. Noting a report alleging that there is no control on such imports from the Mainland was incorrect, the department emphasised that all consignments from the Mainland must comply with requirements including health certification, and they are subject to inspection whether they enter by sea, air or land in accordance with Public Health (Animals & Birds) Regulations. Inspection stepped up The department has stepped up inspection of the Bird Garden from three times a week to five. Samples are regularly collected for testing for avian influenza viruses. Of the 2,400 samples that were tested last year, none was positive for bird flu. Fresh droppings from wild birds including migratory birds are also collected for H5 avian influenza testing. Last year, 6,400 samples were collected and the results were all negative. As for dead birds collected for testing last year, 17 of about 10,000 birds were tested positive. http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/h...106en05007.htm

[HenryN]

HK confirms dead bird carried H5N1 avian flu virus
06 Jan 2007 14:38:30 GMT

Source: Reuters


HONG KONG, Jan 6 (Reuters) - A wild bird found dead in a shopping district in Hong Kong has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza, the government said on Saturday.



The bird, a scaly-breasted Munia, was found in the Causeway Bay district on Dec. 31. Government experts said it might have been infected by migratory birds flocking south.


The H5N1 virus made its first known jump to humans in Hong Kong in 1997, killing six people. So far, it cannot be passed easily from human to human, but experts fear the virus could mutate and cause a pandemic, killing millions.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HKG192295.htm

[HenryN]

Laboratory tests confirm H5N1 infection in Hong Kong
2007-01-06 HKT 21:01
The Government has confirmed Hong Kong's first case of bird flu since last March. A series of laboratory tests confirmed that a scaly-breasted Munia found dead in Leighton Road in Causeway Bay last week was infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu. Hong Kong had been put on bird flu alert on Thursday, after initial tests found that the bird was infected with the H5 flu. Local aviaries were closed down and checks on poultry were strengthened. Winter is the peak bird flu season, and it's also the migratory season for wild birds which are potentially carrying the disease. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has urged the public to avoid any contact with wild birds, and to wash their hands immediately if they do.

http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/eng...0106&56&369500

[HenryN]

Lead audio story on H5N1

real player

http://www.rthk.org.hk/smi/rthk/news...0070107_02.smi

media player

http://www.rthk.org.hk/asx/rthk/news...0070107_02.asx

[canagica]

Originally Posted by Florida1

There are several ways to introduce a new viral strain into an environment.

My point exactly. The trouble with fingering only one part of a complex problem is that it tends to fall apart when the rest are ignored. So--

To sum up-
A bird (whose provenance is unknown) has been found dead with H5N1.
There are multiple avenues by which this bird could have been infected, including (but not limited to):

1. Exposure to infected birds from nearby wet markets (in addition to normal poultry procedures, poultry importation from mainland doubles during the holidays-see above post for link).

2. Exposure to/provenance from infected birds in the pet trade--munias are common cage birds sold as pets, and it's not a wild speculation that their importation or selling might also spike during the holiday. Perhaps they are even sold in wet markets?

3. Exposure to H5N1-contaminated cages, fomites, feed, etc., from above two sources.

4. Exposure to wild migratory birds.

As to the timing of the discovery, two other potential explanations that happen every year involve (1) and (2) above, in addition to migratory birds (although I would appreciate hearing any comprehensive data out there on the timing and species composition of bird migration on HK).

Anything that argues otherwise is a dangerous oversimplification that leaves us vulnerable as a result.

[HenryN]

The wild birds die each year in Hong Kong in January and February when the migratory birds fly through bringing in the latest version of H5N1.

The list I posted were wild birds that died in January and February of 2006 and were infected with the Fujian strain of H5N1. The same thing will happen in January and February of 2007 in Hong Kong.

The same thing happened in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 in Hong Kong.

Woulda, shoulda, coulda not required.