On October 25, Indonesia confirmed another death of a resident due to the H5N1 virus. Meanwhile, China reported that hundreds of domestic geese have died from avian influenza.
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Culling of chickens in Greece near areas infected with avian influenza |
The Indonesian Ministry of Health today reported that test results confirmed the man who died last September tested positive for the avian influenza virus. A total of seven people in the country have been confirmed infected with H5N1.
Hariadi Wibisono, a senior official at the Ministry of Health, stated that three individuals are still alive, two of whom are relatives and both had direct contact with deceased poultry.
The deadly H5N1 virus, which previously appeared in Asia, is now rapidly spreading to the West. Russia confirmed additional cases of avian influenza yesterday, October 24, raising concerns that the disease could spread throughout Europe via migratory bird routes.
The European Union today is also prepared to ban the import of all pet birds as well as wild birds after a parrot in the UK died from the H5N1 virus. More dead birds and chickens have also been discovered and tested in Germany, Croatia, Hungary, and Portugal, doubling the number of suspected avian influenza cases.
Migratory birds are believed to have brought avian influenza to Europe
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Migratory birds are believed to have brought avian influenza to Europe |
In China, the latest outbreak in eastern Anhui Province has killed hundreds of domestic geese, according to Noureddin Mona from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He stated that the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture informed him yesterday that 2,100 poultry were infected, 550 died, and 45,000 others were culled to prevent the spread of the disease.
Jacques Diouf, head of the FAO, emphasized that the world needs to focus on Asia and prevent the virus from spreading among birds and poultry. According to him, the FAO requires $175 million for its avian influenza control plan and has received a pledge of $30 million in aid, but the organization has not yet received any funds!
T.VY (According to Reuters)
