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)