A common magpie found earlier in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, has been confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests, the health authorities of Hong Kong said on Friday.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said the carcass of the bird was collected at 13 Jat Min Chuen Street, Sha Tin on May 31 by department staff following a public referral.

The spokesman reminded people to observe good personal hygiene and avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2007)