December 9, 2005

Zimbabwe detects H5N2 bird flu
 

Zimbabwean authorities have reported bird flu on two ostrich farms in the western province of Matabeleland North. The disease was found to be the low pathogenic H5N2 strain, which posed little risk to humans.

Dr Stuart Hargreaves, the principal director for Veterinary Services, said all ostrich farms nationwide have been placed under quarantine. He added that the quarantine would remain until the full extent of the disease's spread could be verified by a national survey.

Meanwhile, the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has already claimed almost 70 human lives in Asia since 2003.