Bird flu found in Canada, H5N1, but not Asian form

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Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 20 Nov 2005 - 15:00 PDT

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Canadian authorities have confirmed that two wild ducks have tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus strain - however, it is not the same as the virulent one that has killed so many birds in Asia. This virus is milder. A farm in British Columbia (Canada) is having all its poultry culled. A bird was found to have the virus. Authorities say there is no indication the virus has spread beyond the farm.

Last year 17 million birds were culled because of a flu outbreak in Canada.

Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. B Evans, said "I want to emphasize that the H5N1 subtype detected in Manitoba is completely distinct from the strain currently present in Asia." He went on to say that this virus has been seen in North America before and poses no new risks to human health.

Just because the subtype has the same name does not mean it is as dangerous as the Asian one.

Authorities are keeping an eye on the farms neighbouring the one that had the infected bird.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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