H5N1 virus found on bird body in Hong Kong

A carcass of an Oriental magpie robin found in Hong Kong last week was confirmed to be H5N1-positive after a series of laboratory tests, the city government said in a statement on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the city's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said that the dead bird was found and collected near 19 Station Lane, Hung Hom, last Wednesday. The Oriental magpie robin is a common resident bird in Hong Kong.

He added that the department will continue to conduct inspections of poultry farms to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented.

The spokesman reminded people 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.