December 22, 2005

North Korea develops bird flu identification method

North Korea said Wednesday its scientists have developed a method of identifying all types of bird flu viruses as the country steps up a nationwide campaign against the deadly disease.

Researchers at the cell and gene branch of North Korea's State Academy of Sciences "solved scientific and technical problems arising in correctly identifying" bird flu viruses, the North's Korean Central News Agency reported.

"When bird influenza broke out in some chicken farms in the spring this year, they confirmed in a matter of 10 days that the type of the virus was A (H7N7)," KCNA said. "They, basing themselves on this research success, have deepened the research work to put the nationwide bird flu prevention campaign on a scientific basis."

North Korea has been on alert against bird flu with a spate of fresh outbreaks abroad, including in neighbouring China, with the country's state media quick in reporting about the disease and publicising the country's preventive measures.

Bird flu hit North Korea earlier this year, forcing the communist state to cull about 210,000 chickens and other poultry. In April, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said the outbreak was successfully contained. No new cases of bird flu have since been reported.