Travellers warned over Hong Kong bird flu cases

Britons must take great care to ensure they consult detailed travel advice before they head to Hong Kong as bird flu was detected on a poultry farm last month, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned.

Around 60 dead chickens were found on the farm on December 9th, with health secretary York Chow confirming that they had been affected with the most virulent H5N1 virus.

Although 80,000 chickens were killed in response to the news, a young baby born in Hong Kong has since contracted a mild form of the illness, the fifth case reported in the region.

The FCO offers the following advice: "The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.

"As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked."

Historically, most Britons travelling to Hong Kong have reported trouble-free visits, although there is a threat of petty street crime such as muggings or pickpocketing.

As a result, it is prudent to ensure that belongings are kept close at hand when checking out of hotels, while passports, money and credit cards should be secured when in crowded areas.

Travellers who intend to sample the region's nightlife should be aware that there were a number of instances of spiked drinks in 2006 and 2007, with both males and females being targeted.

Although it is now officially part of China, Hong Kong still retains its own immigration controls as a Special Administrative Region, but Britons can stay for up to six months without a visa.

This becomes particularly important for anyone who intends to travel to the mainland; visas must be obtained prior to departure as Britons cannot be issued with the relevant documentation on the Chinese border.

In terms of other health risks, several cases of dengue fever are reported in Hong Kong every year, while it is also worth noting that the UK and Hong Kong Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement ended in 1997.

As the FCO explains: "You should seek medical advice before travelling to Hong Kong and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date."

Finally, anyone who has booked a holiday to Hong Kong should remember that the typhoon season runs from April to October, although they strike the region infrequently and warnings will always be given in advance.