Hong Kong's nature reserve tests positive for highly pathogenic H5 avian flu virus - Anadolu Ajansı

Hong Kong's Mai Po Nature Reserve has tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus, authorities said Friday.

A spokesperson for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said a research team from the University of Hong Kong's School of Public Health confirmed positive results from two samples collected Wednesday during routine surveillance, the South China Morning Post reported.

"The AFCD is closely monitoring the situation of the birds in the Mai Po nature reserve and has put up notices to remind visitors to pay attention to personal hygiene," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said cleaning and disinfection at visitor facilities, including bird hides and a floating boardwalk, had been stepped up.

There were no chicken farms within 3 km (1.9 miles) of the sample collection site, he added.

Bird flu surveillance has also been increased while local poultry farms and the wholesale market are being closely monitored.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said it would monitor live poultry stalls for possible H5 virus risks.