Second Case Of H5N1 Bird Flu Infection, Bulgaria

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 13 Feb 2006 - 16:00 PDT

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Bulgarian authorities say a second swan was also infected with the lethal H5N1 bird flu virus strain. Two more samples, of two more swans found dead near the Black Sea coast, have been sent to labs in the UK for confirmation, which could bring the number of confirmed cases up to four. No human cases have been found in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria confirmed its first case of a bird infected with H5N1 avian flu on Saturday. Experts are concerned as the latest confirmed case (a swan) was found dead just two miles from a farm with 120,000 hens.

The police in Bulgaria have started to shoot wild predators in the area as a preventive measure. Access to wetland areas have been blocked.

Bulgaria produces 9% of Europe's 'foie gras' (paste made from goose's liver). The poultry industry is a big employer Bulgaria and economists are concerned that the arrival of bird flu will devastate the industry, and employment.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

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