Two wild birds dead from bird flu in Hong Kong in two weeks

Jan 30 2006

The Hong Kong government has confirmed another wild bird has been found to have died from bird flu.

The bird, an oriental Magpie Robin, is the second this month to have died of H5N1 avian influenza.

Authorities are warning people to avoid contact with wild birds for fear the disease could infect humans.

The wild bird was found dead in an area near the border with China, according to the government statement.

Apparently oriental Magpie Robins are common in Hong Kong and often kept as pets; another had tested positive for H5N1 on January 19th.

The virus first made its effect on humans in Hong Kong in 1997, killing six people.

So far, the virus remains a bird virus and humans are only infected by close contact with sick poultry, but experts fear the virus could mutate and cause a pandemic.

Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has reminded the public to follow good personal hygiene rules and avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry.

This strain of bird flu has killed at least 83 people worldwide since it re-emerged in late 2003.