March 23, 2007

Bangladesh reports first bird flu case

Bangladesh has reported its first ever bird flu case, the country's official announced Thursday (Mar 22).

The virus was detected in a poultry farm at Savar, at the outskirts of capital Dhaka. The samples were sent to Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute and also to National Institute of Animal Health in Bangkok for confirmation.

The results showed the existence of influenza virus of the H5N1 variety. However, there has been no reports of other outbreaks in the country other than the Savar area.

The government has undertaken preventive action to limit further spread of the virus to other places. These actions include culling and restricting the movement of poultry in the affected area.