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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Hong Kong : Black-headed Gull tests positive for H5 virus

From Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :

" Preliminary testing of a dead Black-headed Gull found on Lantau has proved positive for H5 avian influenza virus, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (January 26), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.
The bird's carcass was found and collected on January 24 at 81 South Perimeter Road, Lantau. The Black-headed Gull is a common winter visitor.

The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometres of where the dead bird was found.

In view of the case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers to remind them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters have been issued to farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken."

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