Mute Swans May Have Mild Bird Flu In Michigan

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Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Article Date: 14 Aug 2006 - 10:00 PDT

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Two Wild Mute Swans in Michigan, USA, have been found to have suspected bird flu. However, scientists say preliminary testing indicates that the virus does not seem to be the virulent H5N1 strain, but rather a milder one that has been detected in the USA before.

The swans were tested on August 8 at the Mouillee state game area, on the coast of Lake Erie, Monroe County, Michigan. Samples were taken by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Tony Snow, White House spokesman, said scientists believe the strain is of low pathogenicity. Health officials said that this suspected infection does not pose any threat to public health.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the swans had been sampled as part of the expanded avian influenza surveillance program. The swans showed no signs of sickness - an indication that it is most likely a mild form of bird flu. Genetic analysis conducted at USDA's National Veterinary Services laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, suggests it is similar to another milder type of bird flu which has been found in North America.

Scientists say the birds could have been infected with two separate avian influenza viruses, one containing H5 and the other containing N1. Further tests at NVSL will clarify what virus strains they were, as well as their pathogenicity. The results are expected in a couple of weeks.

(Pathogenicity = Capacity for causing disease)

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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