Preliminary testing of two birds found dead in Hong Kong's Mong Kok has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, local authority said Saturday.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said Saturday the sliver-eared Mesias found dead by their staff may be affected by H5 virus, but further tests are needed to confirm.

AFCD staff are on high alert as the Chinese new year is nearing and the import of live poultry may likely to increase. AFCD staff inspected stalls in the Bird Garden in Mong Kok Saturday, but found nothing abnormal among the pet birds there for sale.

"We will continue to maintain close surveillance of pet bird stalls in the Garden," the spokesman said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2007)