Outbreak of H5N1 in 1996/1997

The precursor of the H5N1 influenza virus that spread to humans in 1997 was first detected in China of Guangdong province, in 1996, when it caused a moderate number of deaths in geese. However, it attracted very little attention at the time.

In late March and early May 1997, an H5N1 influenza virus caused high mortality on three chicken farms in the New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.

In 1997 outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 are reported in poultry at farms and live animal markets in Hong Kong. Human infections with avian influenza H5N1 are reported in Hong Kong. Altogether, 18 cases (6 fatal) are reported in the first known instance of human infection with this virus.

Since their first recognition, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses H5N1 influenza viruses have become endemic in poultry populations in Southeast Asia and have spread to more than 60 countries. The extent of control measures, the number of live poultry markets, and the numbers of poultry backyard flocks may have determined if highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses H5N1 viruses became endemic or caused only localized outbreaks. 
Outbreak of H5N1 in 1996/1997