Common Magpie tested positive for H5N1 virus
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    The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 6) that the Common Magpie found in Sham Tseng was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests.

     The bird was collected by AFCD staff on February 2 in Yuen Tun Village, Tsing Lung Tau, after a public referral and died the following day.

     A department spokesman reminded people 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," he said.

Ends/Monday, February 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:50

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