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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up monitoring of biosecurity measures at chicken farms and surveillance of wild birds after a dead Peregrine Falcon tested positive for H5N1 today (January 21).

The Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market will also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected today.

AFCD's Assistant Director (Inspection and Quarantine) Mr Lai Ching-wai said: "The presence of H5N1 virus in the Peregrine Falcon poses no immediate threat to public health. The measures taken are aimed at preventing any outbreak of avian influenza in chickens.

"As part of our wild bird surveillance programme, we collected a dead Peregrine Falcon near the Gold Coast residential development in Tuen Mun on Monday for diagnostic testing. Swab and tissue samples from the bird tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus today. A histopathology examination is being conducted to establish the cause of death of the bird.

"As there are two chicken farms in Tuen Mun, staff have been deployed to inspect these farms. There was no abnormal mortality and the chickens showed no symptoms of avian influenza," he said.

Inspections of local chicken farms in the past few days have turned up no unusual instances of mortality. Farmers have been alerted to pay special attention to their bird-proofing facilities and to strictly implement biosecurity measures.

"As a precautionary measure, the AFCD will continue to inspect the chicken farms even during the Chinese New Year holidays. We are on full alert and will take appropriate action whenever required.

"The Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected during the three-day rest period starting this afternoon.

"The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has also stepped up inspections of poultry stalls at markets.

"The AFCD will continue surveillance of wild birds and birds at recreational parks. Staff will be deployed to collect faeces from wild birds for tests during the Chinese New Year holidays," Mr Lai added.

The Peregrine Falcon is a large bird found in southern and southeast Asia. Only rarely do the birds reside in or visit Hong Kong. At this time of the year, their population is usually less than 50.

Mr Lai reminded members of the public to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after any contact with them.

Ends/Wednesday, January 21, 2004

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