The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of Hong Kong confirmed on Wednesday that a Grey Heron found in Lok Ma Chau area had tested positive for H5N1 -- the virus that causes avian flu.

A government spokesperson said: "The dead bird, which was first found by a worker of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line project within the restricted area of Lok Ma Chau, was handed to AFCD for diagnostic testing on November 1. Swab and tissue samples from the bird were confirmed positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus today."

 

The Center for Health Protection (CHP) has also initiated a surveillance program for public health monitoring.

 

"All poultry farms in the vicinity of where the dead bird was found, totaling 37, have been inspected by AFCD staff. There was no abnormal mortality and the chickens showed no symptoms of avian influenza. Farmers have been alerted to pay special attention to their bird-proofing facilities and to strictly implement bio-security measures," the spokesperson said.

 

"As a precautionary measure, the AFCD will step up its farm inspection program and wild bird surveillance program at recreational parks during the next few days. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will also continue to closely monitor the situation at the retail markets."

 

The spokesperson said the CHP was monitoring the health of the seven people who had had contact with the dead bird.

 

"As the CHP has taken immediate and prompt actions to initiate its surveillance program on public health, and made all necessary arrangements for those in contact with the infected dead bird, it is unlikely that the virus has been able to spread in the community. Therefore, we believe that there is no immediate threat to the public health," he said.

 

Hong Kong's health departments urged the public to observe good personal hygiene and avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry.

 

Since 1998, Hong Kong has put in place a comprehensive surveillance program that enables the relevant authorities to monitor human influenza activity and detect the presence of avian influenza viruses in the environment.

 

In 2003, the government extended the surveillance program to wild birds in recreational parks so as to ensure timely detection of the presence of any avian influenza viruses in the environment and possible changes in the viruses. Under the surveillance program, more than 2,000 samples have been tested since January 2004.

 

The migratory Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is an abundant winter visitor to Hong Kong, but rare in summer.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 4, 2004)