by Alicia M Prater PhD

Created on: March 10, 2011   Last Updated: March 14, 2011

The recent strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, first infected humans in Hong Kong in August 1997. As infection spread among both birds and humans in Southeast Asia over the following decade, each country instituted regulations to prevent further infection and spread. These restrictions have included bans on backyard poultry, which Hong Kong has had since 2006 according to the

International Society for Infectious Diseases. Those found breaking the ban face thousands of U.S. dollars in fines. The region has also vaccinated farm poultry, banned the sale of waterfowl, more tightly controlled importation, and instituted market rest days to break the cycle of viral transmission. Despite these regulations, officials at the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department confirmed the presence of infected fowl on their beaches.

On January 28, 2011, the department confirmed that a dead chicken found on a beach in the fishing village of Tai O tested positive for H5N1. That same day, two more dead chickens were found in the same area, and they were confirmed to be infected on February 2. On February 7, a duck found in the same area was also confirmed to be H5N1 positive. Authorities confirmed that no poultry farms are found nearby (within 3 kilometers), and they have not found any illegal backyard flocks. On March 4, a goose found on a beach near Sham Shek Tsuen on Lantau, Hong Kong’s largest island, was also confirmed as having been infected.

All of the birds had been dead for some time before being found. In response, the Department of Health is contacting licensed farmers and retailers to remind them to practice good hygiene, adhere to regulations, and avoid contact with wild birds, which may harbor the virus. They are also continuing to survey the area for potential illegal birds. The source of the dead birds or infection has not yet been discovered.

Meanwhile, H5N1 avian influenza has also been found in a flock at a turkey farm in Israel that includes more than 13,000 birds. Quarantine and precautionary measures will include the culling of more than 40,000 birds. The farm is located in Kibbutz Rosh Zirrum in the province of Judea and Samaria. An outbreak occurred in Israel in January 2010, 2 years after the previous outbreak.

Due to the continual presence and spread of H5N1, infectious disease experts maintain surveillance efforts and strictly enforce regulations. However, despite all of the regulations in Hong Kong and other regions, poultry are still being infected with HPAI H5N1, which means a continued risk to humans.

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