Wild Canadian Goose tests positive for H5N1 in England

Saturday, March 1, 2008

The H5N1 Avian Flu virus has been found in a dead wild Canadian Goose in Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, England. This is the eleventh case of the virus turning up in wild birds. The goose was discovered on February 25, 2008.

"The finding of more cases in wild birds is not unexpected ... We are currently considering whether any additional restrictions are necessary in the area," said the United Kingdom's Health Ministry in a statement to the media.

As a result of the finding, poultry movement has now been restricted by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the areas surrounding the Swannery. The removal of all birds, dead or alive from any property now requires a license. DEFRA says the restrictions will expire no earlier than 31 days.

Ten other cases of the virus have appeared in dead birds, all Mute Swans from the same area.

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Related news

"H5N1 strain of Avian Flu found in the UK" — Wikinews, November 13, 2007
"H5N1 hits Britain" — Wikinews, February 3, 2007
"Swan in Fife, Scotland dies with H5N1 bird flu virus infection" — Wikinews, April 6, 2006

Sources

"Wild goose tests positive for bird flu" — Television New Zealand, March 1, 2008
James Tourgout. "Bird Flu Is Back" — Dorset Echo, February 29, 2008
"Bird flu discovered in dead goose" — BBC News Online, February 29, 2008

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