December 21, 2005

Ethiopian fowls test negative for bird flu

Tests on scores of pigeons, sparrows, doves and chickens found dead in Ethiopia have tested negative for bird flu, an Agriculture Ministry spokesman said Tuesday.

Tests conducted by Egyptian scientists found that the birds died from the insect-borne Newcastle virus, not bird flu as authorities had previously suspected, said Agriculture Ministry spokesman Mulugeta Debalkew.

"The results from the bird flu tests we have carried out are negative," Debalkew said. "However we are still remaining vigilant because of the potential threat and the ban on imports of poultry will remain in place for the time being."

On Dec 2, authorities reported hundreds of pigeons found dead near drinking wells in eastern Ethiopia and others in the capital, Addis Ababa. Sparrows, doves and chickens were also found dead in various parts of the country.

Ethiopia called in Egyptian scientists to examine 62 birds because Ethiopia does have the equipment needed to carry out the tests.

The Newcastle virus is one of the most infectious poultry viruses in the world, according to the USDA. It is very common in Africa.

A death rate of almost 100 percent can occur in unvaccinated poultry, but even vaccinated poultry can die from the virus.

The migratory birds that are believed to have brought the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu to Europe are headed across the Middle East and into Africa.