Preliminary testing of a starling found in Hong Kong has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said on Tuesday.

He added that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.

The carcass of the starling, believed to be a Red-billed Starling, was collected by department staff on May 26 at Mong Kok in Kowloon, following a public referral.

A department spokesman reminded the public to observe good personal hygiene.

"They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2007)