Press Releases

Mai Po Nature Reserve, which has been closed to the public since February 6, will be re-opened from tomorrow (February 27).

After the detection of the H5N1 virus in a dead Grey Heron collected at Mai Po Nature Reserve, it was closed as part of the precautionary measures adopted to minimise human contact with wild birds and their droppings.

"As there has not been any new case of birds infected with the H5 virus found near the nature reserve in the past 21 days, which is recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health for avian influenza surveillance in birds, the nature reserve may be re-opened to the public," a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today.

But the spokesman reminded people to continue to be alert.

"People should observe good personal hygiene and avoid contact with wild birds and their droppings. They should also wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he said.

The department will continue to work closely with the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong to ensure that sufficient precautionary measures are being taken.

The department has maintained a stringent monitoring regime on wild birds in Mai Po Nature Reserve and has been collecting faecal samples for H5 avian influenza tests since winter 2002.

"We will continue to be vigilant and maintain surveillance of wild birds," the spokesman said.

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