17.07.2012

Taiwan reports a case of avian influenza H5N1. The outbreak  has been reported (via OIE) in the Luchu Township (T'AO-YUAN ). Thirty-eight pet birds were intercepted at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on 7 July 2012. The birds were smuggled by a passenger travelling from Macao to Taiwan and euthanized immediately on the spot and sent to National Laboratory, Animal Health Research Institute, for further investigation. H5N1 HPAI virus has been identified from these birds and HA0 cleavage sequencing demonstrated its high pathogenicity.The cleaning and disinfection of the environment and facilities were completed on 7 July 2012. All staff in contact with the birds have been under monitoring of Health Authority for 10 days and found healthy. This marks the third time the virus has been detected at the country's borders.