Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A fresh outbreak of the avian flu virus was confirmed today in north central China, while dead birds have been found in Hong Kong. In Iraq, authorities are carrying out investigations to find the cause of death in a number of cases where bird flu is suspected.
Over 15 thousand birds died due to the virus between February 2nd and 3rd in the mining city of Yijing, in the province of Shanxi. More than 187 thousand poultry have been culled in the region. It marks the 29th outbreak to hit China since October 19th 2005.
Yesterday in the Tuen Mun district of Hong Kong, a chicken and egret were found dead. First test results found the H5N1 virus, but experts are carrying out further tests to confirm its' presence. These latest deaths bring to 7 the number of birds killed due to the virus in past weeks.
From February 13 a new law will be enforced prohibiting the domestic poultry breeding, with fines ranging from 50 thousand to 100 thousand dollars (from 6,452 to 12,903 US dollars) for those who infringe the law. It will also ban the sale of live poultry at markets, as well as impose a special licence for the use of live birds during religious rites. Scientists say that the virus is now endemic in Southern China and Hong Kong, adding that it will take up to ten years to wipe it out.
Iraq. February 5th in Southern Omara a 13 year old boy is reported to have died of "pneumonia". Investigations to establish the exact cause of death are underway on this as well as two other suspected cases; following the death of a 15 year old girl from the virus January 17. 7 other people are under close hospital observation following contact with poultry believed to be carriers of the disease. (PB)
