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Preliminary testing of two Silver-eared Mesias found dead in Mong Kok has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 10), adding that further confirmatory tests are being conducted.
The carcasses were collected by AFCD staff at 101 – 109 Boundary Street following a public referral on February 7.
AFCD staff inspected stalls in the Bird Garden in Mong Kok today and found nothing abnormal among the pet birds there for sale.
"We will continue to maintain close surveillance of pet bird stalls in the Garden," the spokesman said.
As for a suspected case involving a dead Blue Magpie found in Sham Shui Po earlier, the spokesman said the bird was confirmed to have H5N1 virus after a series of laboratory tests.
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.
Ends/Saturday, February 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:00
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