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A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 4) that the dead goose and two dead ducks found in Sha Lo Wan, Lantau last week were confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests.
AFCD staff collected the carcasses of a goose and a duck on January 29 at a beach near Sha Lo Wan football pitch. Another dead duck was found on January 31 at the same location.
The spokesman said that two more dead chickens were collected on the coast opposite Yeung Hau Temple in Tai O, Lantau today, adding that preliminary tests for the H5 virus are being arranged.
AFCD will continue to closely monitor the situation and investigate into the possible causes of the recent discovery of bird carcasses.
The inspections in North Lantau have been completed and no unauthorised keeping of poultry has been observed. Separately, AFCD staff inspected 321 villages in Hong Kong today. Five live chickens and two live ducks were found unattended in Cheung Po, Kam Tin. After taking samples for testing, AFCD has disposed of all the poultry.
The spokesman said a ban on backyard poultry has been in force since 2006. Unauthorised keeping of five kinds of poultry -chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons or quails – is an offence with a maximum fine of $50,000. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $100,000.
"The public can call 1823 Call Centre for follow up if they come across suspicious sick or dead birds, including carcasses of wild birds and poultry," the spokesman said.
"They should avoid contact with wild birds or live poultry," the spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:33
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