Environmental samples from Mai Po Nature Reserve test positive for H5 virus
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In collaboration with the AFCD, a research team of the School of Public Health, HKU, regularly collects samples from the MPNR for avian influenza surveillance. Two of the environmental samples collected on November 11 were confirmed to be positive for the H5 virus.
An AFCD spokesman said that the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong, which assisted the Government in managing the MPNR, has stepped up cleansing and disinfection of tourist facilities, including bird hides and the floating boardwalk. Disinfection mats have been placed at the entrance of the MPNR for visitors to disinfect the soles of their shoes. In addition, the AFCD is closely monitoring the situation of the birds in the MPNR and has put up notices to remind visitors to pay attention to personal hygiene.
There are no chicken farms within three kilometres of where the samples were collected. The AFCD has strengthened avian influenza surveillance and is closely monitoring the situation of the local poultry farms and the wholesale market. Poultry farmers, pet bird shop owners, and licence holders of bird exhibitions are reminded from time to time to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza are implemented.
"People should avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry as well as their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. The public can call 1823 for the AFCD to follow up if they come across suspected sick or dead birds, including the carcasses of wild birds and poultry," the spokesman said.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will maintain vigilance over live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene.
The Department of Health will continue its health education to remind members of the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent avian influenza.
The AFCD, the 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 caused by imported poultry and birds that have not gone through inspection and quarantine.
All relevant government departments will continue to be highly vigilant and strictly enforce preventive measures against avian influenza. Health advice about preventing avian influenza is available on the AFCD website at www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_live/H5N1_healthadvice.html.
Ends/Friday, November 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:25
Issued at HKT 18:25
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