H7N9 detected at Hong Kong poultry stall
Authorities are attempting to trace the source of the affected poultry (stock photo).
Routine testing has confirmed the presence of H7N9 avian influenza at a poultry stall in Hong Kong. Authorities are culling 4,500 birds and the live poultry trade has been suspended.
A sample of faecal droppings was taken from the stall in Yan Oi Market, Tuen Mun, as part of a surveillance programme by the University of Hong Kong. It tested positive for H7N9 on 4 June, according to a statement from the city's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).
'The affected stall sells live poultry, including live chickens and pigeons,' a spokesperson said. 'The FEHD, upon receiving the test result, has immediately conducted thorough cleansing and disinfection at the two stalls and is tracing the source of the poultry.
Poultry imports and the trading of live poultry have been suspended, as has the supply of chickens from local farms. Local chicken farms will be will be inspected and samples collected for testing to ensure none of the local poultry has become infected.
H7N9 was first detected in humans in mainland China just over three years ago.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
