October 9, 2006

Bird flu confirmed in US state of Montana

Final tests on wild ducks in Montana have confirmed that the birds were positive for the low-pathogenic H5 bird flu virus, the US Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced on Saturday (Oct 7).

The low pathogenic H5N3 bird flu virus was found in two of the 16 samples collected from wild pintail ducks in the west central part of the state.

Tests results released on Sep 21 had indicated the H5 and N1 subtypes in the bird samples.

Since the tests are highly sensitive and were done rapidly, the results may be positive for a specific subtype and yet the subtype may not be isolated in additional tests, the departments said.

Authorities said the low-pathogenic bird flu virus commonly occurs in nature, but usually results in minor or no noticeable sickness. Similar cases have occurred in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Maryland.