Preliminary test on a white-backed munia found dead in Mong Kok
has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman
for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)
of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said
yesterday.
The bird collected by AFCD staff was the fourth case suspected
of being affected by H5 avian virus within this week.
AFCD staff started to inspect stalls in the Bird Garden in Mong
Kok and found nothing abnormal among the pet birds there for
sale.
"Samples from pet bird stalls are regularly collected for
testing of avian influenza viruses. Of the 2,400 samples that were
tested last year, none was positive for avian influenza," the
spokesman said.
However, the public are reminded to observe good personal
hygiene and avoid personal contact with wild birds and live
poultry.
(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2007)