A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (March 12) that the carcasses of a black-headed gull and a peregrine falcon found in Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan in early March were confirmed to be H5N1-positive after a series of laboratory tests.

     The black-headed gull was collected at Castle Peak Power Station Plant B, Tuen Mun, on March 2, while the peregrine falcon was found at Kam Kwai House, Kam Fung Court, Ma On Shan, on March 3.

     The black-headed gull is a common winter visitor to Hong Kong, while the peregrine falcon is a rare winter visitor.

     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/Monday, March 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:16