Labs to check avian flu results

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-12-14  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

LABORATORIES in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland will study test results of samples taken from a chicken farm where a recent avian flu outbreak occured, a Hong Kong health official said yesterday.

Dr Leung Ting-hung, acting controler of the Center for Health Protection in Hong Kong, said health authorities would check whether there was any virus mutation in the outbreak and the government would enhance the vaccines' effectiveness if warranted.

Hong Kong authority reported cases of the deadly H5N1 avian flu strain last week at a chicken farm in Yuen Long district, where dozens of mass abnormal deaths of chickens were found.

It was the first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu at a Hong Kong farm in about six years.

Expecting preliminary test results to be ready in a week, Leung noted the six workers who had direct contact with the dead chickens at the farm, and those involved in the recent chicken-culling operation, were under close medical surveillance.

"All of them are healthy," he said.

Dr Thomas Sit, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation assistant director, said the department was investigating the outbreak and wanted more information from some complainants who alleged smuggled eggs were the cause.