WWF Mai Po

香港大學公共衛生學院每年冬季於米埔自然保護區收集鳥類糞便樣本，進行有關高致病性禽流感監測，以分析候鳥是否傳播禽流感的媒介。從2003年起採集的超過30,000個樣本中，全部對高致病性禽流感呈陰性反應。這些數據證實進入米埔自然保護區觀鳥是安全的活動，本會數年前亦以這些數據，成功與政府部門協商放寬針對因禽流感關閉米埔自然保護區的措施。

香港大學的研究人員本年會繼續在保護區採集樣本，地點包括：三層觀鳥屋前的 #8a號基圍、教育中心旁的 #15號淡水塘，以及 #16/17號基圍靠近7號觀鳥屋的小島。研究人員會由11月7日起至明年4月，逢星期三早上到以上地點採樣。研究人員會盡快完成採樣，以盡量減低對在當地棲息的鳥類所構成的干擾。

此研究項目對米埔自然保護區極具重要性，研究採樣期間如對各觀鳥者做成不便，敬請見諒！如需進一步資料, 請聯絡米埔辦公室 2471 6212保護區主任梁嘉善。謝謝你的合作與體諒！

The School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong (HKU) has initiated a research project on the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) at Mai Po Nature Reserve. Researchers collect and test bird fecal sample from the Reserve every winter, to understand the role of migratory waterfowls as an agent for the dispersal of the H5N1 virus.

Since 2003, over 30,000 fecal samples from wild birds at Mai Po have been tested and none of these samples tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu virus. This information supported that bird-watching at the Reserve is a low risk activity. WWF also used this information to negotiate with the government departments and successfully release the policy on closure of the Reserve due to avian influenza case.

HKU researchers will continue the study in the Reserve this winter, locations include: Pond #8a in front of the Tower Hide, Pond #15 next to the Education Center and the island in front of Hide #7 at Gei wai #16/17. The study will commence on 7 November 2012 and last until April 2013. Collection will be conducted every Wednesday morning and will be done as quickly as possible to minimize disturbance to the roosting birds.

We hope birdwatchers would understand the importance of the study to the Mai Po Nature Reserve. We apologise for any inconvenience that might have caused during the sample collection. If you need further information, please contact the Mai Po Office at 2471 6212 and ask for Katherine Leung, Reserve Officer. Thank you for your kind attention and understanding!

[ Last edited by WWF Mai Po at 7/11/2012 09:19 ]