HONG Kong health authorities confirmed at the weekend that a little egret found in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region reminded people to observe good personal hygiene. "They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," the spokesman said.