February 16, 2011

Japan locates more H5N1 in wild birds

Japan has found the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in six wild birds at five locations, as its veterinary authority sent Follow Up Report No.5 to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The report, dated February 14, described the finding of a total of six wild birds, all dead, between January 31 and February 6. Five of the birds were found on Kyushu island and one on Hokkaido. All were subsequently found to have been infected with the H5N1 HPAI virus.

The presence of the H5N1 HPAI virus has been confirmed.