A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (April 10) that the carcass of an Oriental magpie robin found in Hung Hom last week was confirmed to be H5N1-positive after a series of laboratory tests.

     The dead bird was found and collected near 19 Station Lane, Hung Hom, on April 4. The Oriental magpie robin 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, April 10, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:55

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