BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China has reported an outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza in Lianyungang, a coastal city in the eastern province of Jiangsu, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Friday.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected among wild birds in a scenic area in the city. So far, 17 wild birds have been infected and died, the ministry said.
A total of 647 wild birds inhabit the area, according to the ministry.
Local authorities have activated an emergency response, sterilized the area and disposed of all dead birds safely.
H5N8 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus (also known as the bird flu virus). While H5N8 only presents a low risk to humans, it is highly lethal to wild birds and poultry. Enditem
