Dead birds found in HK test positive for H5N1 virus

HONG KONG, Feb. 5 (Chinese media) -- A spokesman for Hong

Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said Wednesday

that the dead goose and two dead ducks found in Sha Lo Wan, Lantau Island in

Hong Kong last week were confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of

laboratory tests.

AFCD staff collected the carcasses of a goose and a

duck on Jan. 29 at a beach near Sha Lo Wan football pitch. Another dead duck was

found on Jan. 31 at the same location.

The spokesman said that two more dead chickens were

collected on the coast opposite Yeung Hau Temple in Tai O, Lantau on Wednesday,

adding that preliminary tests for the H5 virus are being arranged.

AFCD will continue to closely monitor the situation

and investigate into the possible causes of the recent discovery of bird

carcasses, said the spokesman.

The spokesman said a ban on backyard poultry has been

in force since 2006. Unauthorized keeping of five kinds of poultry -- chickens,

ducks, geese, pigeons or quails -- is an offense with a maximum fine of 50,000

HK dollars. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum fine of 100,000 HK

dollars.