CHINA - Heron in Hong Kong tests pos for H5N1

[Theresa42]

Google-translated from Chinese:

Hong Kong confirmed that a heron with the H5N1 avian influenza virus
2007-12-13

Network - One in Lok Ma Chau in Hong Kong seized the heron, 13 had been confirmed case of H5N1 bird flu.

Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department spokesman said the heron in Hong Kong on December 5 the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Indemnity wetland areas were found and seized, it was placed in bird cage, dying the next day, in the past few The number of tests, confirmed heron infection with the H5N1 avian flu. The spokesman stressed that the seizure of the heron within three kilometers of no farms.

The spokesman said that in order to strengthen preventive measures, the Mai Po Nature Reserve will be suspended from 14 days from the opening 21, the authorities will closely monitor the situation to be reviewed because of the closure period. The spokesman also stressed that the bird flu in Hong Kong does not diminish the threat, the government departments will continue to maintain vigilance and strictly implement measures to prevent and control bird flu.

It is understood that the heron usually in the winter to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong summer extinct, is not the residence of bird species.

http://www.takungpao.com/news/07/12/13/GW-836787.htm

 

[Niko]

Re: CHINA - Heron in Hong Kong tests pos for H5N1

Hong Kong bird reserve closed after H5N1 case

Thu Dec 13, 2007 9:20pm EST


HONG KONG, Dec 14 (Reuters) - A wild heron in Hong Kong has tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus, prompting authorities to close a bird reserve on the border with China on Friday.

Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said the grey heron, a migratory species, was found sick on December 5 near the reserve. It later died and tests confirmed it was infected with the H5N1 avian influenza.

"As a precautionary measure, the Mai Po Nature Reserve will be temporarily closed to visitors for 21 days," Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said in a statement.

"We will monitor the situation closely and review the closure period as necessary," it added.

A 24-year-old Chinese man surnamed Lu from eastern Jiangsu province died last week of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in the first case in China since June.

Chinese state media have warned of a "very high" possibility of bird flu over winter and spring.

Mai Po and its lush wetlands straddling the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, have for decades been an important wintering point for tens of thousands of waterbirds. (Reporting by James Pomfret; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)

http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSHKG161969

 

[AlaskaDenise]

Re: CHINA - Heron in Hong Kong tests pos for H5N1

From an article in 23 Nov 04

Herons at rest in Hong Kong?s Mai Po nature reserve. A grey heron infected with bird flu was found dead near the reserve this month (Nov 04), and news of this re-ignited fears about the ability of wild birds to spread the disease.