Published Date: 2002-05-30 23:50:00
Subject: PRO/AH> Avian influenza - China (Hong Kong) (11)
Archive Number: 20020530.4362
AVIAN INFLUENZA - CHINA (HONG KONG) (11)
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Date: Tue 28 May 2002
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: South China Morning Post, Sat 25 May 2002 [edited: online version
not found]
Hong Kong: three distinct incursions of avian influenza (H5N1) virus
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Genetic studies of the avian influenza virus outbreak in Yuen Long have
shown that it involved 3 [distinct genotypes] of [avian influenza (H5N1)
virus], [indicating] that infections were introduced on at least 3 separate
occasions, [rather than on a single occasion with subsequent spread from a
single source].
The deputy director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Liu
Kwei-kin, said that: "Of the 22 infected farms, 13 were infected by
genotype "Z" virus, which was basically confined to the Kam Tin area with
spread to Pak Sha Tsuen. [Epidemiological] information suggested there may
have been more than one incursion (of the Z genotype). Eight farms were
infected by the "Z1" genotype, following a single incursion in Kam Tin. An
"X" genotype virus infected a single farm in Hung Shui Kiu."
Dr Liu said the recent H5N1 avian influenza viruses were highly infectious
to chickens, but had not acquired the ability to infect humans, as
[happened] in 1997 when 6 people died. "The government has implemented a
very comprehensive monitoring programme and so far the viruses are detected
well before they pick up any ability [to infect] humans," he said. "The
main point is that they are [genetically distinct] from the 1997 virus that
affects humans and we [are detecting] these viruses before they have spread
further or [acquired virulence for humans]." The epidemiological study was
conducted by the University of Hong Kong and the Massey University
EpiCentre in New Zealand.
--
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[These findings from a combination of epidemiological and genetic analyses
are reassuring to the extent that the genotype responsible for the outbreak
of severe disease in humans in 1997 is not a genotype frequently
transmitted from outside to chickens in Hong Kong (or alternately easily
generated there after transmission). Nonetheless, continued vigilance is
essential. - Mod.CP]
See Also
Avian influenza - China (Hong Kong) (10) 20020526.4324Avian influenza - China (Hong Kong) (02) 20020206.3492
Avian influenza? - China (Hong Kong) 20020203.3475
Avian influenza, transmission to humans: genetics 20020106.3179
2001
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Avian influenza - China (Hong Kong) (02) 20010710.1332
Avian influenza, H5N1 - China (Hong Kong) (06) 20010528.1038
Avian influenza, H5N1 - China (Hong Kong) (02) 20010517.0962
Avian influenza - China (Hong Kong) 20010420.0778
2000
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Avian influenza virus, update 20001028.1878
..................cp/sh
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