The deadly strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus has been detected for the first time in wild birds in the European Union (EU). The only other EU confirmation of the virus occurred in an imported parrot located in a quarantine facility in Great Britain.
Reports confirm the presence of the highly pathogenic virus in 5 swans found in southern Italy and on the Italian island of Sicily and in 3 swans found around the Thermaikos Gulf area in Greece. Bulgaria has also diagnosed the virus in migratory swans as well. Slovenia has submitted samples of an H5 virus (also isolated from swans) to the EU reference laboratory in Weybridge, Britain to determine if it too is the highly pathogenic strain. Other European countries which have reported confirmed or suspected cases of avian influenza include: Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
This outbreak prompted UK officials to release a statement reaffirming their preparedness to address a potential bird flu epidemic. All bird keepers having more than 50 birds are required to register their premises with the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). According to the DEFRA website, this database will only be used for preventing and controlling avian flu. Germany and the Netherlands have called for poultry to be kept indoors starting in March to minimize the risk of infection.
Source:
ProMED-mail: AVIAN INFLUENZA – WORLDWIDE (10): NIGERIA, GREECE, ITALY and PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza – worldwide (11): Europe