A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (January 17) that a dead little egret found in Yuen Long on January 12 was confirmed to be H5N1-positive after a series of laboratory tests.

     The bird carcass was found and collected beside a tree outside the Yuen Long Office, Wetland and Fauna Conservation (Enforcement) Section of the AFCD, Lot 1520RP, DD123, Nam Sang Wai, Yuen Long on January 12.  

     The little egret is a common resident bird in Hong Kong.

     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/Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:58