The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said two environmental samples collected at Mai Po Nature Reserve tested positive for H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. The School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong collected them on 11 November; the department said it received the university’s notification on 12 November.
The department said there are no chicken farms within three kilometres of the sampling site. It has strengthened avian-influenza monitoring, including keeping watch on local live-poultry farms and wholesale markets.
The Hong Kong branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature, which helps manage the reserve, has stepped up cleaning and disinfecting visitor facilities, including bird hides and boardwalks. Disinfectant mats at the entrance allow visitors to clean their shoe soles.
The department advises visitors to avoid contact with wild birds, live poultry and their droppings, and to wash their hands thoroughly after contact with birds.