First case of H5N6 virus found in wild bird in Hong Kong
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     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (April 16) that the carcass of a peregrine falcon found at a construction site on Hung Yuen Road, Hung Shui Kiu, Yuen Long on April 9 was confirmed to be H5N6-positive after a series of laboratory tests.

     It is the first case of H5N6 virus found in a wild bird in the territory. The AFCD will closely monitor the situation.

     The AFCD will continue to conduct inspections of poultry farms to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented.

     The spokesman reminded people to observe good personal hygiene. "They should avoid personal contact with wild birds or live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he said.

Ends/Thursday, April 16, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:01

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