A dead black-crowned night heron found earlier in southern Hong Kong has tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus, authorities in the Chinese special administrative region said Friday.

The dead heron, collected Monday at the Ocean Park, one of the major tourist attractions in Hong Kong, was "confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests," the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said.

The Ocean Park announced Thursday it was to shut down the walk- through aviaries for 21 days after the heron found in the park was suspected of being H5 positive.

Black-crowned night heron is a common resident and winter visitor, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department was quoted as saying.

Hong Kong had recently recorded several cases of dead birds testing positive for the H5N1 strain, which has killed hundreds around the world, leading scientists and the public to fear a wide spread pandemic that could kill as many as millions.

Hong Kong has been vigorously monitoring bird movements and had many measures in place to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

The spokesman on Friday also reminded the public 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.

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2008)