August 17, 2006

Migratory birds brings H5N1 to Russia's Krasnoyarsk region

Migrating birds are bringing the H5N1 bird flu virus to Russia's Siberian Krasnoyarsk region, where it is spreading, the regional ornithological monitoring centre said in statement Wednesday (Aug 16).

The centre said confirmed H5N1 cases were increasing in 11 districts of the region, situated along the migrating birds' route.

The virus was first brought to the region in the spring, according to the centre.

Bird flu had previously been found in adult birds, but now young birds, which were just beginning to fly, were also confirmed as infected.

The centre said urgent measures, including a complete hunting ban on wild birds, were required to prevent the spread of the disease to domestic poultry.