Bird Flu Continues to Spread

Posted on October 14, 2005

The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has been confirmed Turkey. Meanwhile, the BBC reports that the bird flu discovered in Romania has been discovered in another flock of birds in that country 30 kilometers away.

Results showing whether this case, or the earlier confirmed outbreak, is the lethal H5N1 strain found in Turkey are expected in the coming days.
The World Health Organization says there is a high probability that the first birds did carry that strain.
The news comes as EU veterinary officers hold an emergency meeting to discuss measures to contain bird flu.
In Turkey and Romania, the sites of bird flu infection have been close to areas favoured by migratory birds.

The bird flu has not yet been confirmed as H5N1 in the birds found in Romania. If migratory birds are carrying the virus then a continued spread of the disease -- at least in birds -- seems likely.

HEALTH