India Awaits Bird Flu Test Results On Nine Humans

Featured Article
Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Veterinary;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 22 Feb 2006 - 17:00 PDT

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Nine humans in India are suspected of being infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus strain. The H5N1 is the most virulent (potent, powerful, deadly) one. PK Hota, India Health Secretary, stated that there is a distinct possibility that these humans are infected with bird flu. Authorities are waiting for test results which will confirm either way. The results should be ready within the next day or so.

So far, India has culled over half a million birds in Maharashtra state, where infected birds were found a week ago. As bird flu panic spreads around the country, retailers and restaurants are reporting a significant fall in poultry and egg sales.

The Indian parliament has banned poultry from its own restaurants. The military and many airlines have followed suit. At the same time government officials are trying to persuade the population that eating chicken and eggs is safe if cooked properly.

One lady from India wrote to Medical News Today:
"How can I have faith in what government officials say if the parliament itself is banning chicken from its cafeterias?"

India's poultry industry is one of the biggest in the world. A sharp drop in poultry sales could have a devastating effect on employment.

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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