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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) would continue to investigate the death of a number of waterfowl at Penfold Park following tests on the waterfowl which gave positive results for H5 last (December 9) night.

An AFCD spokesman said, "The Hong Kong Jockey Club found a number of dead waterfowl within the fenced confines of Penfold Park in Sha Tin in early December. Eight dead waterfowl were submitted to us for diagnostic testing.

"H5 avian influenza virus was isolated from two of the geese last night. Further testing is necessary to determine whether other causes are involved and whether the virus resembles recent H5N1 avian influenza viruses.

"As a precautionary measure, the Hong Kong Jockey Club would close the park for one month for cleansing and disinfection. The remaining 50 waterfowl in the park would be depopulated," he said.

The spokesman stressed that avian influenza viruses exist naturally in wild waterfowl. There is no immediate threat to public health and the measures taken are aimed at controlling the disease in waterfowl.

There has been no human case of H5 infection in Hong Kong after the 1997 incident. The Department of Health will closely monitor human influenza through its effective sentinel and laboratory surveillance systems. Members of the public are reminded to maintain proper personal hygiene. They should avoid direct contact with wild birds and clean their hands thoroughly after contact with wild birds.

"AFCD will conduct detailed epidemiological studies to establish the causes of death of the waterfowl. Although there are no chicken farms immediately adjacent to the park, we would continue to monitor the health conditions of chickens closely," the spokesman said.

End/Tuesday, December 10, 2002

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