http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_vetlab/qua_vetlab_ndr/files/20120206map.pdf
February 6th, 2012
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 6) that a dead Oriental magpie robin found in Tuen Mun has been confirmed to be H5N1 positive after laboratory testing.
The bird’s carcass was found and collected at Shun Tak Fraternal Association Ho Yat Tung Primary School, Yau Oi Estate, Tuen Mun, on January 30. It was decomposed when found and required a series of tests before H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed today. The Oriental magpie robin is a common resident bird in Hong Kong.
The AFCD has reminded the school to step up cleansing and disinfection.
The spokesman said that one chicken farm is within 3 kilometres of where the bird was found. AFCD staff inspected the farm and found no abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza among the chicken flocks. The farm will be put under enhanced surveillance.
In view of the case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers to remind them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters have been issued to farmers, pet bird shop owners and licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken.
The spokesman said the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented. The department will continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.
“People should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. The public can call 1823 for follow-up if they come across suspicious sick or dead birds, including the carcasses of wild birds and poultry,” the spokesman said.
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