December 12, 2005

Romaina confirms H5N1 bird flu in dead chicken
 

Romanian Agriculture Minister Gheorghe Flutur said a dead chicken found in Scarlatesti village in eastern Romania's Braila county, has been confirmed to be infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu.

The chicken was found dead in late November and sent to a British laboratory for further tests.

In response, local authorities have extended the quarantine on the village to prevent new outbreaks.

Local residents have culled 11,883 of their poultry by Nov 27, and have received about US$93,300 in government compensation.

Four other areas in Braila have also reported bird flu cases lately, and are awaiting test results from the British laboratory.