The peregrine falcon found in
Tin Shui Wai last week died of H5N1 bird flu, Hong Kong authorities confirmed.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said on Saturday
laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis.
The bird was collected by AFCD staff last Tuesday in Grandeur Terrace, and it
died the next day.
A department spokesman reminded the public to observe good personal hygiene.
"They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and
clean their hands thoroughly after contact with them," he said.
A number of birds had tested positive for the H5N1 virus in Hong Kong since
early this year.
Meanwhile, a drill was conducted on the emergency transfer of patients with
infectious diseases from one hospital to another on Saturday.
Two hospitals simulated a scenario in which a suspected bird flu patient was
transferred from Baptist Hospital to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Upon the patient's arrival at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, an escort team in
protective gear led the ambulance crew with the patient to the isolation ward.
A number of H5N1 infected birds cases have been reported in Hong Kong since
early this year. In Macau, meanwhile, authorities have upgraded the body
temperature checks at ports because of avian flu concerns.
The Information Bureau on Saturday said checks will be focused on arrivals
from nations that recently have reported bird flu.
Xinhua