The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong said Thursday that a gray heron found in Lok Ma Chau was confirmed to be H5N1 positive.

The bird carcass was found and collected on Feb. 8 near San SamRoad, Lok Ma Chau in the New Territories. The Grey Heron is a kind of water bird and common winter visitor to Hong Kong.

A department spokesman reminded people to observe good personal hygiene saying that they should avoid personal contact with wild birds or live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2008)