China confirms spread of infection in poultry - CHINA - Health and agricultural authorities in China have today informed WHO of further outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in poultry.

The outbreaks, which are laboratory confirmed, have been detected in Hunan and Hebei provinces.

A confirmed outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza at a duck farm in Guangxi province was announced on 27 January.

As announced today, outbreaks of disease in poultry have also been detected at farms in Anhui, Shanghai, and Guangdong provinces. According to the authorities, highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza is the suspected cause. Samples from birds in these outbreaks are being tested, in China, to confirm the causative agent.

Local authorities in the affected provinces have undertaken immediate culling operations and quarantining of farms. Compulsory vaccination of poultry is being introduced.

At present, no human cases of H5N1 infection have been detected in China.

Source: World Health Organization - 30th January 2004