Press Releases

Grey Heron has tested H5N1 positive

     The Grey Heron which was listed a H5 suspect had tested H5N1 positive, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (December 13).

     The spokesman reiterated that the department would maintain frequent inspections on poultry farms to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented.

     ��We will continue to monitor poultry farms closely. There is no abnormal mortality and the chickens show no symptoms of avian influenza,�� he said.

     Over 20 chicken farms which were within five kilometers of where the Grey Heron was found had been inspected by the department.

     When collected by the department staff in Lok Ma Chau on December 3, the affected bird already appeared to be sick. It was sent to the New Territories North Animal Management Centre for isolation and observation but died the next day.

     Earlier preliminary laboratory tests on the carcass already indicated the bird was a H5 suspect.

Ends/Monday, December 13, 2004

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