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)