Changing Perception of Avian Influenza Risk, Hong Kong, 2006–2010

To the Editor: Since 1997, routine surveillance has demonstrated periodic reemergence of infl uenza A (H5N1) viruses (avian infl uenza) in retail markets in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China (1,2), leading to stepped implementation (progressively implementing more measures over time) of measures to reduce human exposure to infl uenza subtype H5N1.From 2006 through November 2008, progressive importation and farm restrictions and curtailed retail capacity cut Hong's live poultry supply in half, from 40,000 to <20,000 chickens daily (3,4).To determine whether the decline in the Hong Kong live poultry supply was paralleled by declines in avian infl uenza risk perceptions and protective hygiene behavior, we conducted a telephone survey.During December 2005-March 2006, we recruited 1,760 adults >17 years of age.We randomly called