Hong Kong health authorities confirmed Saturday that a little egret found earlier in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, was tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain after a series of laboratory tests.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government reminded people to observe good personal hygiene.

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

The bird was collected at Tuen Mun Park on Nov. 18 by department staff following a referral from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2007)