A duck carcass found in Tai O, Hong Kong, was tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus, a spokesman for the city’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said on Monday.

The duck carcass was collected at a beach near Po Chue Tam, Yeung Hau Temple, Tai O on Feb. 3. They were highly decomposed when found and required a series of tests before H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed Monday.

The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometers of where the dead chickens were found.

To minimize the risk of avian influenza outbreaks, he said, all relevant government departments would continue to remain highly vigilant and strictly enforce preventive measures against avian influenza, such as reinforcing health education and striving to deter illegal imports of poultry and birds into Hong Kong.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet