February 17, 2006

Two swans in Austria test positive for bird flu

The Austrian Ministry of Health has confirmed that two dead swans found near Graz tested positive for the H5 bird flu virus on Feb 14, according to USDA's Feb 15 report on Austria¡¯s poultry and products.

Samples have been sent to the EU reference laboratory in Weybridge, UK, for further testing. Austrian officials expect the samples to test positive for the H5N1 strain.

To contain the situation, Austria will undertake some safeguard measures. No poultry or eggs produced in the area within 3 kilometres of where the swans were found are allowed to be sold. Wild bird hunting is also prohibited within 3 kilometres of the site.

Austria has also established a 10-kilometre surveillance zone in which all poultry and birds in captivity must be housed.

For the full USDA report, click here.