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Under the present avian influenza surveillance programme on dead wild birds, preliminary testing of a dead Crested Myna found in Tung Ping Chau has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 15), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.
The bird carcass was collected at Sha Tau, Tung Ping Chau on February 12.
The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometres of where the dead bird was found.
"In view of the recent cases of H5N1 found in poultry and wild bird carcasses, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons have also been reminded to take proper precautions," the spokesman said.
The spokesman said the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms, the wholesale market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented. The department would continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over imported live poultry as well as live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene.
The Department of Health will enhance health education and distribute health advice leaflets.
AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks brought by imported poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine.
All relevant government departments will continue to remain highly vigilant and strictly enforce preventive measures against avian influenza.
"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.
Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Advice on biosecurity measures for people working in poultry farms, wholesale and retail markets and health advice for the general public are available at the "H5N1 Health Advice" of AFCD website at www.afcd.gov.hk. The website also includes the latest information on the H5N1 infected birds found in Hong Kong this year.
Ends/Sunday, February 15, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:10
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