On January 29, Hong Kong confirmed that a wild bird died from the H5N1 virus in the territory and warned the public to avoid contact with birds due to the risk of the disease transmitting to humans.
The Hong Kong government stated that the deceased bird was a Copsychus saularis, discovered in a privately owned tent in the Sha Tau Kok area, near the border with China.
Wild bird Copsychus saularis (Photo: Neerej Mishra/VNN)
The Hong Kong authorities also reported a similar case of a dead bird on January 19, which tested positive for H5N1 as well.
H5N1 has previously killed six people in Hong Kong in 1997. To date, although it does not spread directly from person to person, experts are concerned that this strain of the virus could lead to a major pandemic.
A spokesperson for the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has advised the public to strictly adhere to hygiene regulations, avoid contact with wild birds, poultry, and waterfowl, and to maintain thorough cleanliness if contact with them is unavoidable.
