February 17, 2006

Swan Deaths Spread Fear Of Bird Flu In Europe

Migrating swans have spread a lethal strain of avian flu into several European countries in recent days, and experts predicted it was probably only a matter of time before the virus was carried across the continent by migrating birds.

Germany confirmed Wednesday that two dead swans found on the island of Rugen in the Baltic Sea tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu. The virus, which originated in Asia, has been transmitted from birds to at least 165 humans worldwide, killing 91, according to the World Health Organization. (Washington Post)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Bird Flu