The result of preliminary testing of a dead Oriental Magpie Robin found in Sha Tau Kok, Hong Kong, indicated a suspected case of H5N1 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said in HK Friday.

Further confirmatory tests were being conducted, added the AFCD.

The dead bird was collected by AFCD staff Thursday in a privately-owned hut near a village house in Sheung Wo Hang Tsuen upon a public referral.

The spokesman reiterated that the department would maintain frequent inspections on poultry farms to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented.

"We will continue to monitor poultry farms closely. There is no abnormal mortality and the chickens show no symptoms of avian influenza," he said.

As a safety measure, the department is carrying out inspection of some 10 poultry farms within five kilometers from where the bird was found. Surveillance of wild birds in the area has also been stepped up. Backyard poultry owners are advised to contact the AFCD through the government hotline if they would like to surrender or vaccinate their chickens.

"They should consider giving up backyard farming if biosecurity measures are found inadequate. Any suspicious outbreak of disease among their birds or their neighbors' birds, or significant increase in mortality should be reported to the AFCD immediately," he said.

"We also strongly advise the public not to set free their pet birds as their chance of survival in the wild is minimal."

The spokesman added that if H5N1 avian influenza virus was confirmed to be found in this Oriental Magpie Robin, it might be an indication that the virus exists in the natural environment.

The Center for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health contacted six AFCD staff and seven household members of the family who owned the village house and hut. All were asymptomatic and they were put under medical surveillance.

People are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2006)