February 24, 2004

Texas Bird Flu Outbreak Highly Pathogenic

The bird flu outbreak in Gonzales County, Texas has been discovered to be highly pathogenic, Ron DeHaven, USDA Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services, said Monday.
 
The virus earlier had been confirmed as an H5 virus, he said. Subsequent genetic or DNA sequencing is the basis for calling it a "high path" one, he said.
 
Presently there are no indications of "human health implications", he said.
 
The USDA has activated a federal response to the situation and will work with Texas on the outbreak, he said.
 
Also, the Centers For Disease Control is working with the state and USDA, DeHaven said.