Thursday, April 30, 2009

Hong Kong: Feral pigeon tested positive for H5 virus

Under the present avian influenza surveillance programme on dead wild birds, preliminary testing of a dead feral pigeon found in Tuen Mun has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (April 29), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.


The bird carcass was collected at Leung Tak Street, Tuen Mun on April 27.


The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometres of where the dead bird was found.

"In view of this case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons have also been reminded to take proper precautions," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms, the wholesale market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented.

The department would continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.

Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene.
hat-tip ironorehopper

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