Hong Kong Bans Live Poultry Sale Due to Avian Influenza Virus

The presence of H7N9 virus was confirmed after an analysis of some samples taken from the Yan Oi live poultry market, one among the 29 in the city.

Hong Kong health authorities suspended the sale of live poultry after traces of the H7N9 virus were detected in faeces samples collected from one of the markets.

The city's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said in a statement the presence of the virus was confirmed after an analysis of some samples taken from the Yan Oi live poultry market, one among the 29 in the city, EFE news reported.

Avian Influenza / Bird Flu-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment- FAQs
Bird flu (avian influenza/avian flu) is a disease caused by an influenza virus (H5N1) that primarily affects birds but can infect humans also.

‘H7N9 strain is one of the most serious among avian flu viruses and affects birds as well as humans, triggering respiratory damage and affects the functioning of vital organs.’

Thereafter, in accordance with protocols for prevention of the spread of the virus, all distribution and sale operations of live poultry in Hong Kong have been suspended, even as authorities examine the possibility of preventive culling of the birds.

A spokesman from the phytosanitary department said the market where the viral strain was detected, in Tuen Mun district, had two such stalls, only one out of which tested positive for H7N9.

"No sample from the other stall tested positive," he said, adding the affected stall sold poultry, including chickens and pigeons.

A New Variant of Bird Flu Virus Causes Serious Infection
A newly detected variant of bird flu virus has been associated with serious lung infection, ultimately resulting in death.

Following the results, authorities ordered closure of the market for disinfection, while still trying to locate the source of the infected birds and have initiated a mass inspection in all poultry farms across Hong Kong.

Health Minister Ko Wing-man said authorities will conclude risk assessment to decide if all the birds in the markets need to be culled and to decide the duration of the suspension.

A Bird's Eye View of The Bird Flu Scare
It might not be the plague yet, but the bird or avian flu scare has acquired this nasty habit of sending a shiver down the spine.

Ko added import of live poultry has also been suspended, as it remains unknown if the infected birds originated from Hong Kong or Chinese markets.

Discovered in 2013 around Shanghai and other areas in eastern China, it has infected close to 400 people, of whom over a hundred have died since then.

Swine Flu | Swine Influenza | Hog Flu | Pig Flu
Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you're safe this season.

Source-IANS