June 12, 2006

Niger culls poultry due to bird flu

Authorities have begun culling birds in southeast Niger to stop the spread of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in the west African country.

The operation was carried out in Boko Mai Gao, where bird flu was detected last week.

Officials said poultry owners were cooperative and compensation was paid on-the-spot.

The outbreak in Boko Mai Gao, 700 kilometres (434 miles) east of the capital, is the first since the mass slaughter of birds during the country's first two bird flu cases in February.

Niger is one of eight African countries that have been hit by the disease.