The H5N1 virus has been detected in a daurian starling faecal swab sample taken from a pet shop in Yuen Po Street Bird Garden in Mong Kok.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department tonight temporarily closed the shop and took its birds for observation and further testing. It also ordered all nearby bird shops to undergo thorough cleansing.

The sample was collected on June 4 under the department´s routine avian influenza surveillance programme.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will enhance cleansing of the Bird Garden, and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will boost street cleaning near it.

The Centre for Health Protection has put all stall operators and workers under medical surveillance. It has launched a hotline (2125 1122) to provide health advice to people who may have recently visited bird pet shops.

People should observe personal and environmental hygiene, avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after contact. People should not release their pet birds. If they want to abandon their birds, call 1823 for assistance. Click here for more information.