New H5N1 vaccine considered

July 11, 2012

The Government is considering using other avian influenza H5N1 vaccines for chickens, as the current one is not effective enough.
 
Speaking to the media after attending a Legislative Council meeting today, Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man said there is a higher proportion of birds contracting avian influenza H5N1, according to the recent number of dead birds collected. He said the Government will closely monitor the situation in winter, the peak avian influenza season.
 
Some experts have said the current vaccine is not effective enough, so the Government is considering alternatives.
 
Regarding the infectious disease outbreak in Cambodia, he said there has been no rise of new cases since the incident was reported to the World Health Organisation. Fifty children have died, and tests found the presence of enterovirus-71.
 
Dr Ko said he is waiting for the organisation's report as to whether other pathogens are involved.
 
For the local situation, he said the Centre for Health Protection is investigating two cases of enterovirus infection, which are not EV71 related. Both cases are imported.