A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (April 25) that a preliminary test of a white-waisted sandpiper picked up in the Mai Po Nature Reserve was suspected to be positive for the H5 avian influenza virus. The department is continuing to make further confirmation. test.
The bird's carcass was found and picked up in a base circle in the nursing area a few days ago.
The White-rumped Curlew is a winter migratory bird, mainly found in the intertidal zone including the Deep Bay area where Mai Po is located.
An AFCD spokesman said that the nursing area has stepped up cleaning and disinfection of visitor facilities such as bird-watching houses and pontoons.
The entrance of the nursing area is equipped with a sanitizing potion floor mat for visitors to disinfect the soles of their shoes.
In addition, the AFCD is closely monitoring the condition of birds in the nursing area and posting notices reminding the public to pay attention to personal hygiene.
There were no chicken farms within three kilometers of where the bird carcass was found.
Since the beginning of winter, the AFCD has stepped up its surveillance of avian influenza, closely monitoring the situation of local live poultry farms and wholesale markets, and reminding poultry farmers, bird shop owners, and licensed pet poultry and racing pigeon breeders from time to time to ensure that They take appropriate measures to prevent bird flu.
The AFCD said that it will closely monitor local live poultry farms and wholesale markets to ensure that the trade takes appropriate measures to prevent avian influenza. The department will also continue to closely monitor wild birds.
The AFCD reminds the public to avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings, and to wash their hands thoroughly after touching them.
Members of the public who find suspected sick and dead birds, including wild birds and poultry carcasses, may contact the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department at 1823 for follow-up.
All government departments will continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and strictly implement measures to prevent and control bird flu.
H5N8 avian influenza virus detected in two guano samples in Mai Po Nature ReserveAt least 13 initial positive cases in Ha Kwai House, Kwai Chung Estate, distributed in different blocks to floors $390 per hour
