Avian influenza is caused by those influenza viruses that mainly affect birds and poultry, such as chickens or ducks. People mainly become infected with avian influenza virus through contact with infected birds, poultry or other animals (live or dead), or contaminated surfaces with saliva, mucous and animal faeces or environments (such as wet markets and live poultry markets).

Health advice from the Centre Health Protection to travellers and members of the public

• Avoid touching birds, poultry or their droppings and visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms when travelling to affected areas. Eggs and poultry can be eaten only if thoroughly cooked.
• Avian influenza viruses have been detected in many other species. Avoid close or unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild or domestic animals, and avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal faeces, raw milk, or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza virus infection.
• Travellers if feeling unwell when outside Hong Kong, especially if having a fever or cough, should wear a surgical mask and inform the hotel staff or tour leader and seek medical advice at once.
• Travellers returning from affected areas with avian influenza outbreaks should consult doctors promptly if they have flu-like symptoms, and inform the doctor of the travel history and wear a surgical mask to help prevent spread of the disease.

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