Bird flu reaches Europe, affects Romanian ducks |
|
|
Published
:
Sun, 16 Oct 2005 14:05
|
BUCHAREST: Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in Romanian ducks sending shivers among health care experts in the whole of Europe. The tests conducted in a British laboratory found that three birds found dead in the Danube banks in Romania last week had the virus, which was responsible for the death of 60 humans and millions of birds in Asia since its advent in 2003.
A spokesperson for Britain's department of environment, food and rural affairs said the tests have confirmed it is H5N1. The laboratory is continuing its work to establish the origin of the virus.
A European Commission spokesperson said in Brussels EU countries have been advised to take preventive measures and keep poultry away from wild birds. Earlier this week bird flu was found affecting poultry in Turkey.
Health care specialists are worried that H5N1 could mutate into a form that is capable of infecting humans and in that eventuality, there is no preventive or curative measures available. There could be a pandemic, which could kill millions. So far, there has not been any instance of human infection in Romania but Turkey said nine people were tested positive for the virus.
The Danube delta is a halting place for the migratory birds from Russia, Scandinavia, Poland and Germany on their way to Northern Africa. Romanian officials have sealed off the area and vaccinated residents against regular flu.
Romania's agriculture minister Gheorghe Flutur said the country's eastern region of Dobrogea has been quarantined and vehicles entering and leaving the area are required to be disinfected. The area surrounding Ceamurlia de Jos village, where the infection was first detected, has also been isolated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print this Story
