A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 3) that a dead peregrine falcon found in Tung Chung and a dead black-headed gull found in Yuen Long were confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests.

     The dead peregrine falcon was found in the park of Seaview Crescent, Man Tung Road, Tung Chung, on January 30 and the dead black-headed gull was collected at Chun Yin Square Playground, Yuen Long, on the same day.

     Peregrine falcons are rare winter visitors to Hong Kong, while the black-headed gull is a common 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.