Preliminary testing of two birds has indicated suspected cases of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said Thursday.

According to the spokesman, further confirmatory tests were being conducted.

The carcass of a Chestnut Munia was collected by the department staff in the vicinity of St. Teresa's Hospital at Prince Edward Road West in Kowloon City following a public referral on Feb. 18.

The other case involved a Scaly-breasted Munia which was collected at the junction of Sing Woo Road and Wong Nai Chung Road in Happy Valley on Feb. 19.

Members of public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene.

"They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," the spokesman said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2007)