On October 22, 2005, representatives from the Swedish Veterinary Institute confirmed that the death of a wild duck in the area was due to avian influenza.
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Microscopic view of harmful H5N1 virus cells during a test at the World Health Organization representative office in Bangkok on October 21 |
However, it has not yet been determined whether this avian influenza is caused by the harmful H5N1 virus, according to Sky News.
Earlier that day, the avian influenza virus was detected in the UK after a parrot imported from Suriname, South America, died while under quarantine.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, this bird died due to the H5 virus strain, and tests are ongoing. The UK has called for a ban on the trade of live poultry throughout the EU to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
However, at this time, the UK maintains that it does not have avian influenza, as UK veterinary official Debby Reynolds stated: “The confirmed case does not affect the UK’s status of being free from avian influenza because the disease has been confirmed to originate from an imported bird.”
The parrot was part of a shipment of 148 birds from Suriname that arrived in the UK on September 16. These birds are currently being held along with 216 other birds imported from Taiwan.
To date, this harmful avian influenza virus has been detected in several European countries, including Greece, Romania, Turkey, Russia, and Croatia. It is believed that the virus spread to Europe through migratory birds.
TRẦN ĐỨC THÀNH (According to Sky News)
