April 3, 2008

North Korea developing a quick bird flu diagnosing reagent
 

Scientists at North Korea's Veterinary Institute of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences are achieving positive results in their work to develop bird flu diagnosing technology, according to a report by a North Korean radio on Monday (March 31, 2008).

The research work was carried out in a bid to protect the domestic poultry industry from bird flu, which has terrorized several countries in recent years.

As a result, scientists of the Sanitary and Quarantine Studies Research Group have developed a manufacturing technology for materials, the basis in manufacturing bird flu diagnosing reagent, according to the report.

The report said that the reagent is currently used at various veterinary prevention centres and Yongso'ng Chicken Farm as well as other poultry farms, and has received positive ratings. The positive result has also spurred the Institute to further expand and use the new bird flu-diagnosing reagent as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the scientists, through improving the reagent's degree of sensitivity, have boosted the accuracy of the bird flu diagnosis, said the report.

The scientists manage a reagent-manufacturing base and have total control over nationwide level demand for the diagnosing reagent and guaranteeing an adequate supply.

In addition, the institute is currently working to further complete the technology for the quick diagnosis of bird flu.