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A Government spokesman confirmed today (January 11) that the results of preliminary tests on a Chinese Pond Heron found dead in Lok Ma Chau have indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, adding that further tests were under way to confirm the nature of the virus.

The dead bird was collected by a staff member of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) yesterday afternoon within a restricted area of Lok Ma Chau upon referral from a Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation consultant.

A post-mortem examination conducted on the carcass at the department's Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory showed that the bird was an H5 suspect.

As a safety measure, the AFCD tomorrow will inspect all poultry farms within five kilometres where the bird was found.

The AFCD worker, who was in protective gear when collecting the dead bird, will be under the Centre for Health Protection's observation.

Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them.

The Chinese Pond Heron is an occasional migratory bird with quite a number of residents in the wetlands in Hong Kong.

Ends/Tuesday, January 11, 2005

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