02.02.2011

Hong Kong's agriculture ministry today ((February 2) reported that the H5N1 virus was detected in two chicken carcasses that washed ashore on a beach in Tai O, a fishing village partially located on Lantau Island, according to a government statement. A ministry spokesman said no poultry farms are located within a 3-km radius of where the birds were found, but precautions are being taken. The chicken carcasses were found and collected at a beach near Po Chue Tam, Yeung Hau Temple, Tai O on January 28. They were highly decomposed when found and required a series of tests before H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed today. A ban on backyard poultry has been in force since 2006. Unauthorised keeping of five kinds of poultry - chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons or quails - is an offence with a maximum fine of $50,000. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $100,000.