(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-19 23:13

HONG KONG -- Preliminary testing of a common buzzard found dead on Hong Kong's biggest but thinly populated island has indicated a suspected H5 avian bird flu case, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said Wednesday.

"The carcass was found and collected on December 17 at Sha Lo Wan on Lantau," the department said in a statement, adding that there were no chicken farms within 3 kilometers of where the bird was found and authorities would conduct further tests to confirm the case or otherwise.

Buzzards are a common winter visitor to Hong Kong but not resident species.

The department said it would remind poultry farmers, pet bird shop owners, pet poultry and racing pigeon license holders to enhance precautionary and biosecurity measures.

Separated bird flu cases were reported recently in Hong Kong, with the latest confirmed on a gray heron found dead at a nature reserve on December 13, prompting authorities in the special administrative region in south China to step up efforts in curbing the spread of the virus.

Hong Kong has been vigorously monitoring bird movements and has also staged rehearsals simulating a pandemic outbreak of the deadly H5N1 virus in case it developed the ability to jump from one human being to another.