Scientists Still Can't Identify Species Of Dead Infected Swan In Scotland

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Veterinary
Article Date: 10 Apr 2006 - 13:00 PDT

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A week-and-a-half after finding the dead, H5N1 infected swan in Fife, Scotland, scientists are still not able to identify what type of swan it was. Epidemiologists need to know what type of swan it is so that they can have a better idea how the virus entered the UK.

If it was a native, non-migratory, British swan, then another bird brought the bird flu in. This means other birds could be infected. The other bird could have infected several British birds, depending on how long ago it arrived.

Scientists are carrying out DNA tests to try to identify the type of swan.

The bird was so decomposed and torn open when found that a visual identification is impossible. According to Defra, the bird was found in an advanced state of decay, with its head missing.

Ornithologists say swans are identified by their heads. Identifying a headless swan is difficult - a very decomposed headless swan is extremely complicated.

Experts say that poor identification of some infected birds in other parts of the world led to wrong conclusions about the H5N1's spread. Identifying this one correctly is vital.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

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