A spokesman for Hong Kong Department of Health said 145 newly confirmed cases of A(H1N1) influenza were reported in the 24 hours to 2:30 PM (0630 GMT) in Hong Kong Friday.

The new cases involve 61 males and 84 females, aged between 10 days and 84 years, the spokesman said.

This brings to 2,352 the total number of A(H1N1) influenza cases in Hong Kong, said the spokesman.

Bird flu drill

Also on Friday Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department held an exercise to test its preparedness, should culling be needed at local poultry farms because of bird flu outbreak.

During the drill, some 100 staff members of the department went through preparation procedures and bio-security measures, such as wearing and removing protective gear, disinfection and disposal of carcasses, among others.

A field command center and two mock chicken farms were also set up to simulate the "front-line" condition of a bird flu outbreak.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2009)