Monitoring of biosecurity measures at chicken farms and surveillance of wild birds has been stepped up after a dead Peregrine Falcon found in Tuen Mun tested positive for H5N1.

The Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market will also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected during the Lunar New Year holiday starting this afternoon.

Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Lai Ching-wai said the presence of the H5N1 virus in the falcon poses no immediate threat to public health. The measures taken are aimed at preventing any outbreak of avian flu in chickens.

"As part of our wild bird surveillance programme, we collected a dead falcon near the Gold Coast residential development in Tuen Mun on January 19 for diagnostic testing. Swab and tissue samples from the bird tested positive for H5N1 today. A histopathology examination is being conducted to establish the cause of death of the bird," he said.

"There are two chicken farms in Tuen Mun. Staff were deployed to inspect these. There was no abnormal mortality and the chickens showed no symptoms of avian influenza."

Inspections of local chicken farms in the past few days have turned up no unusual deaths. Farmers have been alerted to pay special attention to their bird-proofing facilities and to strictly implement biosecurity measures.

"As a precautionary measure, the department will continue to inspect chicken farms even during the Lunar New Year holiday. We are on full alert and will take appropriate action whenever required," Mr Lai said.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has also stepped up inspections of poultry stalls at markets.

The Peregrine Falcon is a large bird found in South and Southeast Asia. Only rarely do the birds reside in or visit Hong Kong. At this time of the year, their population is usually less than 50.

Mr Lai reminded people to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after any contact with them.