Preliminary testing of a Common Magpie found dead in Mong Kok suggests it could have the H5 avian influenza, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says, adding more tests are underway.

The carcass was collected at the junction of Boundary Street and Flower Market Path following a public referral on February 17.

All stalls in the Bird Garden in Mong Kok were inspected today, with nothing abnormal found among the pet birds there for sale. The department has maintained close surveillance of pet bird stalls in the garden with daily inspections.

More than 200 swab samples are collected from local pet bird stalls each month to test for bird flu viruses, including those of the Bird Garden. Test results so far have been negative.

A dead Common Magpie found in Sham Shui Po earlier was confirmed to have the H5N1 virus.