October 18, 2005

Colombia hit by bird flu

Colombia's Tolima region has been hit by bird flu, according to the country's government. However, it added that the virus detected was the H9 and not the H5 subtype. The deadly H5N1 strain was responsible for over 60 human deaths in Asia already.

In response, nearby Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Panama have banned Columbian poultry imports, due to fears of a bird flu epidemic in the region.

Colombian poultry exports to Venezuela totalled US$14 million in 2004, and the country is now turning to Bolivia after the ban.