The Common Magpie found in Sham Tseng on February 2 has been confirmed as H5N1-positive, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.

The department collected the bird in Yuen Tun Village, Tsing Lung Tau. Appearing sick at the time, it was transferred to the department's North Animal Management Centre and died the following day.

There is only one commercial chicken farm nearby. No abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza was detected.

As for the two earlier suspected cases involving a dead chicken found in Sha Tau Kok and a Crested Myna found in Wong Tai Sin, they were confirmed to have H5N1 after a series of laboratory tests.

The public should observe good personal hygiene and avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry. They should clean their hands thoroughly after contacting poultry and birds.