Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/17/P2021121700776.htm
Black-faced Spoonbill carcass tests positive for H5 virus
*********************************************
A carcass of a Black-faced Spoonbill found in the Hong Kong Wetland Park (Wetland Park) in Tin Shui Wai was suspected to be positive for the H5 avian influenza virus based on preliminary testing, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (December 17). Further confirmatory tests are being conducted.
The bird carcass was found and collected at the mudflat in the Wetland Park yesterday (December 16). The Deep Bay area where the Wetland Park is located is one of Black-faced Spoonbill's major wintering sites.
Cleansing and disinfection has been stepped up at the venue where the dead bird was found in the Wetland Park. Notices have also been put up to remind visitors to pay attention to personal hygiene. The Wetland Park will keep a close watch on the situation of birds inside the Park.
Two chicken farms are within three kilometres of where the dead bird was found. The AFCD already informed the chicken farms concerned and found no abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza among the chicken flocks so far. The AFCD will also phone poultry farmers to remind them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters will be issued to pet bird shop owners and licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken. The AFCD will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The spokesman said the department will closely monitor poultry farms and wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented. The department will continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance...
...Ends/Friday, December 17, 2021
Issued at HKT 21:35
Black-faced Spoonbill carcass tests positive for H5 virus
*********************************************
A carcass of a Black-faced Spoonbill found in the Hong Kong Wetland Park (Wetland Park) in Tin Shui Wai was suspected to be positive for the H5 avian influenza virus based on preliminary testing, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (December 17). Further confirmatory tests are being conducted.
The bird carcass was found and collected at the mudflat in the Wetland Park yesterday (December 16). The Deep Bay area where the Wetland Park is located is one of Black-faced Spoonbill's major wintering sites.
Cleansing and disinfection has been stepped up at the venue where the dead bird was found in the Wetland Park. Notices have also been put up to remind visitors to pay attention to personal hygiene. The Wetland Park will keep a close watch on the situation of birds inside the Park.
Two chicken farms are within three kilometres of where the dead bird was found. The AFCD already informed the chicken farms concerned and found no abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza among the chicken flocks so far. The AFCD will also phone poultry farmers to remind them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters will be issued to pet bird shop owners and licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken. The AFCD will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The spokesman said the department will closely monitor poultry farms and wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented. The department will continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance...
...Ends/Friday, December 17, 2021
Issued at HKT 21:35
