Preliminary testing of a Common Magpie found in Sham Tseng has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said on Saturday, adding that further confirmatory tests are being conducted.

According to a government press release on Saturday, the bird was collected by AFCD staff in Yuen Tun Village, Tsing Lung Tau following a public referral on Feb. 2. Appearing sick at the time, it was transferred to the department's Animal Management Center/ North and died the following day.

The spokesman said there is only one commercial chicken farm within five kilometers of where the bird was found. No abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza was detected among the chicken flocks upon inspection.

As for the two earlier suspected cases involving a dead chicken found in Sha Tau Kok and a Crested Myna found in Wong Tai Sin, the spokesman said the two birds were confirmed to have H5N1 virus after a series of laboratory tests.

He reminded the public to observe good personal hygiene and avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry.

"People should clean their hands thoroughly after contacting poultry and birds," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2006)