March 6, 2006

Poland reports first case of H5N1 bird flu

Poland reported its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a dead swan found in Torun, in northern Poland, according to local media on Mar 5.

Authorities have set up a security zone of 3 kilometres around the area where the bird was found. The country's agriculture ministry said it will release more details soon. More protective measures will also be taken soon to prevent the spread of the virus.

In the past few days, a number of bird flu cases have been reported in Germany near its border with Poland. Meanwhile, Polish veterinary authorities have ordered poultry in the border areas to be kept indoors.