On November 14, China reported a new outbreak of avian influenza in Anhui Province, marking the ninth outbreak in the country since October 19.
According to China Central Television, the new outbreak occurred in Huainan City, Anhui Province, where 800 birds were reported dead. Test results confirmed that these birds were infected with the H5N1 strain. Approximately 126,000 birds within a 3-kilometer radius of the affected area have been culled.
This is the second avian influenza outbreak in Anhui Province within a month. The first outbreak was detected on October 24, when 2,100 chickens and geese died from the virus.
Also on the same day, a team of six experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) arrived in Hunan Province and will stay for a week to assist China in investigating cases of suspected human infection with avian influenza. To date, China has not reported any cases of avian influenza in humans, but authorities have warned that such cases could be unavoidable if outbreaks in large poultry farming areas are not controlled.
Chinese health workers disinfect a vehicle
at the entrance of a village affected by avian influenza in Jingshan
in Hubei Province on November 13.
TUONG VY (According to AP, ChinaDaily)