Bird found in wild had H5N1

Agriculture officials have confirmed that tests on the body of a wild bird found last Tuesday in Pat Sin Leng Country Park in the northeastern New Territories revealed the animal had died from H5N1 bird flu virus. The oriental magpie robin, common in Hong Kong, was found dead near the Hok Tau Management Centre. At least 17 birds collected by the department last year were confirmed to have contracted H5N1. A spokesman urged people to avoid contact with any wild birds or live poultry.