Bird Flu Detected in Montana Ducks

[icymist]

Bird Flu Detected in Montana Ducks
USAgNet - 10/09/2006

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced final test results, which confirm that a low pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus was found in samples collected last month from wild Northern pintail ducks in Montana. This type of avian influenza has been detected several times in wild birds in North America and poses no risk to human health.

The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of low pathogenic H5N3 avian influenza through virus isolation in two of the 16 samples collected from wild pintails in Cascade County, Montana. Initial screening results announced on Sept. 21 indicated that H5 and N1 subtypes might be present in the collected samples, but further testing was necessary to confirm the H and N subtypes as well as pathogenicity.

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Final tests confirm bird flu strain in Montana:USDA



(2006-10-07)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A final round of tests on wild ducks in Montana confirmed the birds tested positive for the low-pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior said on Saturday.

U.S. officials said the low pathogenic H5N3 avian influenza virus was found in two of the 16 samples collected from wild pintail ducks in Cascade County, Montana, in the west central part of the state.

Earlier tests released on September 21 had indicated the H5 and N1 subtypes in the bird samples.

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[crikkett]

1. key words LOW-PATHOGENIC = Don't Panic eom

[kestrel91316]

2. H5N3. Not to worry.