February 20, 2006

Bird flu confirmed in swans in northern Germany

In Feb 16, the EU reference laboratory in Weybridge, UK has confirmed that the H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus was detected in two dead swans found on the German island of Ruegen, revealed a USDA Feb 16 report on Germany's poultry and products.

In Feb 15, tests have also shown that bird flu was found in a dead hawk in the same region. Confirmation by the EU laboratory in Weybridge is still pending. While the Minister of Health, Ulla Schmidt viewed the situation as serious, he said the immediate goal is to prevent the virus from spreading to commercial flocks.

USDA said precautionary measures were imposed immediately. This includes establishing a 3-kilometre protection zone around where the swans were found for a minimum period of 21 days, and a surveillance zone of 10 kilometres for a minimum period of 30 days.

Within these zones, all poultry must be kept indoors and movement of poultry and other captive birds is banned. The hunting of wild birds is also prohibited.

For the full USDA report, click here.