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A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (May 2) that a dead feral pigeon found in Tuen Mun was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests.
Under the present avian influenza surveillance programme on dead wild birds, the feral pigeon carcass was collected on April 27 at Leung Tak Street, Tuen Mun.
To prevent congregation of feral pigeons causing environmental hygiene problems, people should not feed them. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will continue to take stringent enforcement action against feral bird feeders making public areas and parks dirty.
"The public can call 1823 Call Centre for follow up if they come across suspected 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.
Health advice for the public is available from the "H5N1 Health Advice" on the 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/Saturday, May 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:52
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