Hong Kong nature reserve samples test positive for ‘highly pathogenic’ bird flu virus

Two environmental samples taken from Hong Kong’s Mai Po nature reserve have tested positive for the “highly pathogenic” H5 avian flu virus, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department revealed on Friday.

A department spokesman said that a research team from the University of Hong Kong’s School of Public Health had confirmed the positive tests on samples collected two days earlier as part of regular surveillance.

“AFCD is closely monitoring the situation of the birds in the Mai Po nature reserve and has put up notices to remind visitors to pay attention to personal hygiene,” the spokesman said.

The World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF), which helps manage the reserve, had already boosted the cleaning and disinfection of tourist facilities, including bird hides and a floating boardwalk, the spokesman added.

The reserve has also provided disinfection mats for visitors.

The spokesman added that there were no chicken farms within three kilometres (1.86 miles) of where the samples were collected.

“The AFCD has strengthened avian influenza surveillance and is closely monitoring the situation of the local poultry farms and the wholesale market,” the spokesman said.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said it would monitor live poultry stalls for H5 virus risks, and the Department of Health said it would continue its health education work.