A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (January 6) that two dead black-headed gulls found in Tuen Mun and Lantau were confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests.

     The first gull was collected at EcoPark, 133 Lung Mun Road, Tuen Mun, on December 30, 2011, while the second gull was found at a drain near Sha Lo Wan Soccer Pitch, Lantau, on January 1.

     The black-headed gull is a common winter visitor.

     The AFCD 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.