Sunday, March 05, 2006

Bird Flu suspected - as two swans found dead in Poland

The remains of two swans found dead in Poland are undergoing tests to determine whether they had the H5N1 strain of bird flu.

If confirmed, it would mark the country's first case of the disease.

Initial tests have already shown the birds, found near the northern city of Torun, died from the H5 virus.

Polish authorities have been watching out for bird flu after outbreaks of H5N1 were reported across Europe in recent weeks.

The H5N1 strain can be caught by humans who handle infected birds, but is not yet known to have passed from one person to another.

Scientists have warned if it mutates, H5N1 could create a pandemic that could kill millions of people.
Read full article via bbc news

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