Go to main content
 
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden to reopen tomorrow
*********************************************
     Yuen Po Street Bird Garden in Mong Kok, which was temporarily closed to the public for 21 days on April 13 following the detection of the H5N6 avian influenza virus in an environmental sample collected from a bird cage holding a hill myna at a pet bird shop, will be reopened tomorrow (May 4). Test results showed that the H5 gene of the virus is under the same clade as the viruses isolated from dead wild birds this year.
 
     "Since April 13, a total of 245 samples were collected from the Bird Garden and they all tested negative for avian influenza viruses. During the period of closure, all birds kept in the pet bird shops in the Bird Garden were closely monitored for their health condition," a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (May 3).
 
     The spokesman said that the AFCD was satisfied with the birds' health conditions and the sanitation of the Bird Garden, including the public area and the pet bird shops, where thorough cleaning had been carried out.
 
     Before the reopening, all shops and relevant departments, including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, have thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the premises again today.
 
     The AFCD will continue to monitor the Bird Garden closely and ensure that the licensing conditions are strictly followed. Pet birds in any licensed premises must be either legally imported from known sources with valid health certificates, or acquired from other licensed traders with supportive documentation, such as invoices and sale receipts detailing the species, quantity, date of transaction and sources. Licensed traders must produce these documents to AFCD officers for inspection when requested.
 
     The spokesman reminded people to continue to be alert and take proper precautions against avian influenza.
 
     "People should observe good personal hygiene and avoid contact with wild birds and their droppings. They should also wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he said.
 
     "We will remain vigilant and continue surveillance of wild birds," the spokesman said.
 
Ends/Thursday, May 3, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:18
NNNN
Today's Press Releases