Hong Kong scours farms for source of H5N1 Bird Flu Virus
Pastor Dale Morgan
Hong Kong scours farms for source of H5N1 Bird Flu Virus*
12 Jun 2008 10:38:17 GMT
Source: Reuters
HONG KONG, June 12 (Reuters) - Hong Kong officials scoured farms and
wholesale markets on Thursday, searching for the source of an outbreak
of the H5N1 bird flu virus that forced the culling of thousands of birds
across the wealthy city.
Hong Kong ordered a cull of 3,500 poultry on Wednesday after discovering
the H5N1 virus in four markets scattered across the city's northern and
central areas, including in the commerce and retail hub of the main island.
Samples taken from local farms have so far tested negative. But
officials found instances of the virus at several markets, which have
since had their facilities cleaned and disinfected.
"We are working on finding the origin of this virus but have had no
result yet," said Sally Hong, a spokeswoman for the Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department.
"We're also monitoring the health of poultry traders and workers to see
if they have any symptoms of flu."
Since the H5N1 virus resurfaced in Asia in 2003, it has killed 241
people in a dozen countries, according to the World Health Organisation.
Experts fear the constantly mutating virus could change into a form
easily transmitted from person to person. (Reporting by Amrita Sheokand;
Editing by Nick Macfie)