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Further tests on the carcass of a Chinese pond heron found in Lok Ma Chau have confirmed that the bird was H5N1 positive, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (January 13).

The spokesman stressed that the department would maintain frequent inspections on poultry farms to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented.

"We will continue to monitor the poultry farms closely. There is no abnormal mortality and the chickens show no symptoms of avian influenza," he said.

The department had inspected more than 20 chicken farms within five kilometres of where the Chinese pond heron was found.

The dead bird was collected by an AFCD staff member within a restricted area in Lok Ma Chau on January 10. A post-mortem examination indicated that it was an H5 suspect.

People 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.

Ends/Thursday, January 13, 2005

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