A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 13) that two dead little egrets found in Tuen Mun on February 6 and 7 were confirmed to be H5N1-positive after a series of laboratory tests.

     The two dead birds were found and collected at the northern entrance to Tuen Mun Park, Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, on February 6 and 7.

     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.