June 13, 2006

Ukraine reports first case of bird flu in domestic poultry

Culling has begun in domestic poultry in northern Ukraine after bird flu made its first appearance in the region, Interfax Ukraine news agency reported Monday (Jun 12). 

Bird flu had previously been detected in the Crimea peninsula, a stopover point on migratory routes in southern Ukraine. A previous outbreak there caused 200,000 birds to be destroyed.

Ukraine's Emergencies Ministry, said specialists had been sent to a village in Sumy region, near the border with Russia, after cases were reported on Sunday (Jun 11). 7,200 birds are expected to be culled.

There was no indication the virus was the deadly H5N1 type found in Crimea as confirmation would have to come through further checks at laboratories in western Europe.

Ukraine's authorities have said that the outbreak has been put under control but expect more of such cases as migratory flocks fly through the country this year.