Hong Kong and Guangdong health experts may collaborate in laboratory testing to further strengthen ties against avian flu.

The move was raised during a meeting between Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau health officials in Guangzhou yesterday. The Hong Kong delegation was led by Principal Medical Officer Dr SK Chuang.

They also discussed the investigation progress of the fatal human avian flu case in Guangzhou recently. The Guangdong Centre for Disease Control & Prevention said there are no suspected human avian influenza infections in the province at the moment.

Studies are being conducted to learn how the patient acquired the infection, and the markets he visited are being checked. Checks for severe pneumonia cases since January are being conducted to identify undiagnosed human avian influenza cases. Over 120 contacts of the deceased have been put under medical surveillance. Surveillance of severe pneumonia cases of unknown causes has also been enhanced in the province.