Preliminary testing of a little egret found in Tuen Mun has indicated a suspected H5 avian flu case, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says. This is the first wild bird suspected to be infected by the virus at the onset of this winter season.

The bird was collected in Tuen Mun Park November 18 and died the next day. There are no chicken farms within 3kms of where the bird was found.

Poultry farmers have been reminded to take precautionary and biosecutiry measures against bird flu. Farmers, pet bird shop owners, pet poultry licence holders and racing pigeons have been informed to take proper precautions.

The department will inspect poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure proper precautions against bird flu have been implemented. Close surveillance of wild birds will continue.

While vigilance over imported poultry and live poultry stalls will continue, illegal poultry and bird imports will be deterred and health education bolstered.