December 5, 2012
Russia confirms avian flu outbreak
The preliminary diagnosis of avian influenza has been confirmed following tests at the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Moscow, and the National Reference Laboratory for avian influenza.
Conflicting results have made it difficult to obtain a definite diagnosis, with the frequency of positive results, depending on the location and time of sampling, ranging from 0-100%.
All of the positive results obtained in the laboratory and Kropotkin in Krasnodar MVL, have been obtained with the same series of diagnostic kit (PCR gelforeticheskoy detection).
The second of the two laboratories used a different diagnostic kit and no positive samples were detected.
Based on the conflicting data, it is difficult to assess whether the mass death of wild waterfowl, in two districts of the Krasnodar region, was caused by avian influenza H5N1.
Recreational waterfowl hunting, fishing and trapping other animals (crabs, crayfish) in artificial and natural waters in the region has been suspended, due to the potential risk to human health.
