The government has tightened quarantine checks at airports and harbors following the biggest outbreak of bird flu in Hong Kong in five years.

Hong Kong health officials say 60 chickens have died after they were infected with the H5N1 virus. Authorities there have culled more than 80,000 of the birds.

An official with Taiwan's quarantine bureau, Zheng Chun-bin, says the government has stepped up quarantine checks due to frequent exchanges between Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

"Hong Kong is so close to China, so it is possible that another outbreak might happen after this year's outbreak ends. And we do not allow any imports of live fowl and birds to Taiwan from affected countries," said Zheng.

The quarantine official said all eggs, meat and chickens sold in the market are safe to eat. However, he called on the public to take precautions when traveling to Hong Kong.