H5 bird flu found in Mai Po Nature Reserve environmental samples
H5 avian influenza virus detected in two environmental samples collected at Hong Kong's Mai Po Nature Reserve on 11 November. Authorities step up disinfection, monitoring and public health advice while noting no poultry farms within 3km.
Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced on 13 November that two environmental samples collected at the Mai Po Nature Reserve on 11 November have tested positive for the H5 avian influenza virus. The samples were gathered by a research team from the University of Hong Kong's School of Public Health, which regularly collects samples at the reserve and collaborates with AFCD on bird flu surveillance.
An AFCD spokesman said the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong, which manages the reserve on behalf of the government, has stepped up cleaning and disinfection of visitor facilities including bird hides and floating bridges. Disinfectant footbaths have been placed at the reserve entrance for visitors to sanitise their footwear. AFCD is closely monitoring birds in the reserve and has posted notices reminding the public to maintain personal hygiene.
No poultry farms lie within three kilometres of the sample collection sites. AFCD has intensified its avian influenza surveillance efforts, closely monitoring local live poultry farms and wholesale markets, and has reminded poultry farmers, bird shop owners and bird exhibition licence holders to take appropriate preventive measures.
“Members of the public should avoid contact with wild birds, live poultry and their droppings, and should wash their hands thoroughly after touching birds,” the spokesman said. Anyone who discovers sick or dead birds, including wild birds and poultry carcasses, is advised to call 1823 to notify AFCD for follow-up.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will continue to monitor live poultry retail outlets and remind operators to maintain hygiene. The Department of Health will press ahead with public health education, reminding the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent avian influenza.
AFCD, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Customs and Excise Department and the police will work together to stop illegal imports of poultry, reducing the risk of an outbreak from untested and unquarantined imported birds. All government departments remain on high alert and will strictly enforce avian influenza control measures.
