Preliminary tests on an Oriental Magpie Robin found dead in Sha Tau Kok indicate a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says. Further confirmatory tests are being conducted.

The bird was collected by the department staff yesterday near a village house in Sheung Wo Hang Tsuen. If H5N1 is confirmed, it might be an indication the virus exists in the natural environment.

The department is inspecting 10 nearby poultry farms and enhancing surveillance of wild birds in the area. Backyard poultry owners are advised to contact the department on the 1823 hotline if they would like to surrender or vaccinate their chickens. They should consider giving up backyard farming if biosecurity measures are inadequate. Any suspicious outbreak of disease among the birds should be reported immediately.