Preliminary testing of a Blue Magpie found in Sham Shui Po has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian flu, Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department said Thursday.

Department staff collected the bird's carcass from the ground floor of North Kowloon Magistracy, Tai Po Road, on February 6. More tests are underway.

So far seven birds have been found dead of H5N1 virus in Hong Kong this year.

To prevent catching bird flu, the department warned that people must observe good personal hygiene, and avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them.

Source: Xinhua