Preliminary testing of a Common Magpie found in Sham Tseng has
indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for
Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)
said on Saturday, adding that further confirmatory tests are being
conducted.
According to a government press release on Saturday, the bird
was collected by AFCD staff in Yuen Tun Village, Tsing Lung Tau
following a public referral on Feb. 2. Appearing sick at the time,
it was transferred to the department's Animal Management Center/
North and died the following day.
The spokesman said there is only one commercial chicken farm
within five kilometers of where the bird was found. No abnormal
mortality or symptoms of avian influenza was detected among the
chicken flocks upon inspection.
As for the two earlier suspected cases involving a dead chicken
found in Sha Tau Kok and a Crested Myna found in Wong Tai Sin, the
spokesman said the two birds were confirmed to have H5N1 virus
after a series of laboratory tests.
He reminded the public to observe good personal hygiene and
avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry.
"People should clean their hands thoroughly after contacting
poultry and birds," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2006)
