Tests of two samples taken at Hong Kong’s Mai Po Nature Reserve found highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, prompting officials to expand surveillance of birds and poultry.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said Nov. 13 that the samples came from routine surveillance it conducts with the University of Hong Kong’s School of Public Health. The university notified AFCD on Nov. 12, one day after the team collected the samples.
World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong, which helps manage the reserve, has increased sanitation at visitor areas. The work includes disinfecting bird hides and a floating boardwalk, and placing mats at the entrance for visitors to clean their footwear. AFCD is monitoring birds at the reserve and has posted hygiene notices.
AFCD said no chicken farms are within three kilometers of the sampling site. The department has stepped up avian influenza checks and is monitoring local poultry farms and the wholesale market. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will remain vigilant at live poultry stalls and remind operators to maintain hygiene.
An AFCD spokesman advised people to avoid wild birds, live poultry and their droppings, and to wash their hands after contact. Anyone who finds a bird that appears sick or dead can call 1823 to alert the department.
