ETHIOPIA: Dead birds tested for bird flu

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   ETHIOPIA: Dead birds tested for bird flu

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations>

ADDIS ABABA, 8 Dec 2005 (IRIN) - Ethiopian authorities have launched an 

investigation into the recent deaths of nonmigratory birds to rule out the 

possibility of an avian flu outbreak in the Horn of Africa nation. 

Dead birds from the Somali region in eastern Ethiopia and the capital city 

of Addis Ababa have undergone initial tests, but further analysis is 

needed, officials said on Friday. 

"Before we can rule out avian flu we have to complete our investigations," 

said Dr Seleshi Zewdie, the head of the animal health department at the 

agriculture ministry.

Scientists had carried out preliminary tests on eight birds from three 

different locations. Zewdie said that additional results are expected later 

next week, but Ethiopia needs proper testing kits before a final 

determination can be made. 

The birds are being tested for the virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu, which 

has devastated Asia's poultry flocks and killed at least 62 people since 

2003.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=50567

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Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: ETHIOPIA: Dead birds tested for bird flu Posted: February 13 2006 at 10:44pm
	ETHIOPIA: Dead birds tested for bird flu [ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations> ADDIS ABABA, 8 Dec 2005 (IRIN) - Ethiopian authorities have launched an investigation into the recent deaths of nonmigratory birds to rule out the possibility of an avian flu outbreak in the Horn of Africa nation. Dead birds from the Somali region in eastern Ethiopia and the capital city of Addis Ababa have undergone initial tests, but further analysis is needed, officials said on Friday. "Before we can rule out avian flu we have to complete our investigations," said Dr Seleshi Zewdie, the head of the animal health department at the agriculture ministry. Scientists had carried out preliminary tests on eight birds from three different locations. Zewdie said that additional results are expected later next week, but Ethiopia needs proper testing kits before a final determination can be made. The birds are being tested for the virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu, which has devastated Asia's poultry flocks and killed at least 62 people since 2003. http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=50567