December 22, 2004

South Korea Suspects Milder Bird Flu Strain Among Ducks

South Korea has discovered a suspected milder form of the avian flu in a duck hatchery in the southwest of the country, the government revealed on Wednesday.

Since 1996, milder forms of the virus have frequently been found in migratory birds in Korea, although this is the first case found among ducks raised at hatcheries, a statement from the Agriculture Ministry said.

The ministry said it would slaughter all 9,000 ducks at the affected hatchery and would examine neighbouring hatcheries for signs of the virus.