Avian influenza H5N6 (bird flu) in China

The Hong Kong Department of Health has reported 21 cases of H5N6 bird flu in China this year, with the two most recent instances reported in Guangxi and Chongqing on 30 September 2021. Guangdong Province, Hunan Province, Sichuan Province, Anhui Province and Guizhou Province have also reported cases this year. 

Advice for travellers

Travellers to countries where avian influenza has caused human disease should be aware of the potential risk of infection, particularly those visiting friends and relatives. These travellers should be advised to avoid contact with: 

• live poultry, including chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons and quail, or any wild birds 
• surfaces that may be contaminated with poultry or bird droppings 
• commercial poultry farms, backyard poultry farms, and live poultry markets 
• sick or dead poultry and birds

Information and advice for travellers on avian influenza is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 5 October 2021