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The Mai Po Nature Reserve will be temporarily closed to visitors starting tomorrow (January 31), the Government announced.
"Given the spread of avian influenza in the neighbouring Asian region, the Government considers it prudent to upgrade precautionary measures to minimise human contact with birds," a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said.
"The temporary closure will be in force tentatively until February 29. We will monitor the situation closely and review the closure period as needed."
AFCD has maintained a stringent monitoring regime on wild birds in the Mai Po Nature Reserve and collected faecal samples for H5 testing since the winter of 2002.
"There is so far no evidence that wild birds pose a threat to the health of the local poultry population or the general public," the spokesman said. "However, the current uncertainty in the neighbouring region warrants extra efforts to guard against any risk of spreading avian influenza virus."
AFCD will continue surveillance of wild birds and remain vigilant.
"Members of the public should observe good personal hygiene and avoid contact with wild birds and their droppings. They should wash their hands thoroughly after contact with wild birds or bird droppings," the spokesman added.
Ends/Friday, January 30, 2004
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