Preliminary test on a white-backed munia found dead in Mong Kok has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said yesterday.

 

The bird collected by AFCD staff was the fourth case suspected of being affected by H5 avian virus within this week.

 

AFCD staff started to inspect stalls in the Bird Garden in Mong Kok and found nothing abnormal among the pet birds there for sale.

 

"Samples from pet bird stalls are regularly collected for testing of avian influenza viruses. Of the 2,400 samples that were tested last year, none was positive for avian influenza," the spokesman said.

 

However, the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene and avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2007)