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Hong Kong is located on the Pearl River Delta, bordering the China's Guangdong province to the north and with the South China Sea to the east, west and south.
With a population of roughly 6.9 million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas on earth. But not all of Hong Kong is urbanized.
Lantau Island, the largest of the 236 islands that make up Hong Kong and the New Territories, only has about 45,000 inhabitants. Much of the island remains undeveloped, although it is a popular tourist attraction, with the 85-foot-high bronze Tian Tan Buddha statue, white sand beaches, and mountainous terrain for trekking.
On Friday, Hong Kong officials announced the discovery of the carcasses of three dead, and decomposing birds on Lantau island. The birds (2 ducks and a goose) tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
On Monday, 9 more dead birds were discovered. Testing is underway to determine if they, too, were infected with the avian flu virus.
Today's find included 5 chickens, prompting authorities to redouble efforts to determine their source.
More dead birds found on Lantau
February 2, 2009
The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will enhance inspections on backyard poultry keeping after nine more bird carcasses were found in Sham Wat Wan and Sha Lo Wan, Lantau Island, today.
Acting Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Liu Kwei-kin today said the carcasses include a goose, five chickens, a duck and two unidentified birds. Tests will be conducted to see if they have the H5 avian influenza virus.
As there are no poultry farms in the area, department staff will inspect nearby beaches and villages to see if any backyard poultry are being kept in the area.
The checks in northern Lantau will be completed in two days and the department will then expand inspections citywide.
The department will also conduct a study on water currents and weather to see if the carcasses were washed ashore. It will exchange the information with Mainland authorities.
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