HONG KONG H5N1 UPDATE: NEW H5N1 POULTRY INFECTION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HONG KONG 001061 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/CM, CA/OCS/ACS/EAP, AIAG, OES/IHA, MED HHS FOR OGHA - STEIGER, HICKEY CDC ATLANTA FOR CCID AND COGH BEIJING FOR CHRISTENSEN/GREEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO KFLU EAGR CASC AMED AMGT PINR MO HK SUBJECT: HONG KONG H5N1 UPDATE: NEW H5N1 POULTRY INFECTION SOURCE UNKNOWN, NO HUMAN CASES REF: A. HONG KONG 1034 ¶B. HONG KONG 470 ¶1. (U) Summary: On June 11, the Hong Kong Government (HKG) Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced additional positive test results for H5N1 virus in live poultry in Hong Kong wet markets, bringing the total to four markets infected to date. As a result, all poultry sales were suspended at markets and retail shops, birds culled, and markets disinfected. The H5N1 detected in Hong Kong wet markets belongs to clade 2.3.4 - known previously as the Fujian strain. While the virus has shown no signs of mutation, the source of the virus in these chickens is not yet known. The HKG renewed vigilance across all responsible agencies, activating its information hotline, and expanding inspections. Post's Avian Influenza Working Group is actively monitoring all new developments, and Emergency Action Plan measures and tripwires are up-to-date. End Summary. New Cases of H5N1 in Poultry -------------- ¶2. (U) On June 11, the HKG AFCD announced additional positive test results for H5N1 virus in live poultry at Hong Kong wet markets, bringing the total to four markets infected to date. As a result, all poultry sales were suspended at markets and retail shops, birds culled, and markets disinfected. On June 7, the HKG suspended live poultry imports for twenty-one days, and has not ruled out an extension of this ban. Note: Additional information on the Hong Kong poultry market will follow septel from the Consulate's Ag Trade Office. End note. Fujian Strain of H5N1, But Source Still Unknown -------------- -- ¶3. (U) The H5N1 detected in Hong Kong wet markets belongs to clade 2.3.4 - known previously as the Fujian strain. The virus has shown no signs of mutation, however the source of the virus in these chickens is not yet known. AFCD officials have inspected all fifty local chicken farms; all tests have proven negative, and inspectors found no abnormalities. HKG officials have not ruled out the possibility of smuggling from mainland China particularly as demand for and trade in poultry is highest during holiday periods (Note: Hong Kong �0A;celebrated a local holiday on June 8). HKG Preparedness -------------- ¶4. (U) The HKG has been at "serious-alert level" since February's reports of two human avian influenza cases on the mainland. Following the June 7 detection of the H5N1 virus in Hong Kong for the first time in five years, government bureaus have taken additional steps as follows: --Centre for Health Protection: activation of its inquiry hotline, dissemination of reporting guidance for clinics and hospitals, and medical surveillance for exposed workers. --Hospital Authority: enhancing triage assessment and patient segregation measures, directing potential human cases to be sent to the Princess Margaret Hospital Infectious Disease Center, and expanding support by the laboratory network for testing. --AFCD: testing and inspecting all farms and markets, suspending live poultry imports, culling markets and disposing of carcasses, and reviewing biosecurity measures. --Customs and Excise: increasing inspection at the borders and investigating source of infected birds. HONG KONG 00001061 002 OF 002 Post Preparedness -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Post has been operating at "serious-alert level" in parallel to the HKG since late winter 2008. Post's Avian Influenza Working Group is actively monitoring all new developments, and Emergency Action Plan measures and tripwires are up-to-date. Post continues to provide information to American citizens via the Consulate website, to American businesses via OSAC and the American Chamber, and to Post employees through administrative notices and the Intranet. Media Pressure Intense -------------- ¶6. Comment: While the average Hong Kong citizen is interested in H5N1 developments, there is no outward evidence of concern. We are not seeing individuals wearing face masks and there are many shoppers in the markets. Most infectious disease experts in Hong Kong have acknowledged that the virus is present in the region as evidenced by six migratory birds found with H5N1 in Hong Kong this year, and it would eventually be found again in the poultry supply. However, media coverage has been extensive and unrelenting in calls for a quicker response at the initial sign of the virus on June 7, in demands for a central slaughterhouse in Shenzhen to strengthen biosecurity measures, and in reaction to poultry traders demands for compensation. Increasing media and public opinion pressure has the potential to cause an abundance of caution by the HKG in its action, as seen in March when primary school were closed for two weeks at the height of peak seasonal influenza season (reftel B). End comment. ¶7. (U) Post's point of contact is ESTH Officer Dawn Schrepel, who can be reached at schrepeldm@state.gov, 852-2841-2104 (office). Cunningham