NewsWhore
01-04-2008, 06:00 PM
Local health authorities have reported the isolation of the avian H5N2 virus in two roosters in a cock-fighting ring in La Otra Banda, Higuey. The birds have been reported to have been irregularly imported, supposedly from the US or Puerto Rico. Angel Faxas, head of the Livestock Department, said that the flu does not pose a threat to humans. Faxas added that a laboratory in the US has determined that the particular strain of the virus found in the roosters is only known to affect birds.
Hoy writes that the National Livestock Department reported the finding to the World Health Organization on 20 December. Dr. Bernardo Defillo says that in the unlikely case that the virus had spread to humans, it would not cause more than a bad cold. He said there is no reason to avoid eating chicken, a main local staple. The virus, which is usually spread through the air, is destroyed by heat, said Defillo.
Public Health Minister Dr. Bautista Rojas Gomez says that 50 birds that could have been in contact with the infected roosters were killed after the flu was detected, in order to isolate the virus and prevent further contamination.
Poultry farmers in the Cibao region say they are not concerned about the avian flu reports, because they were found in fighting cocks. Nonetheless, they are urging the authorities to keep monitoring the situation in the area and nationally.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)
Hoy writes that the National Livestock Department reported the finding to the World Health Organization on 20 December. Dr. Bernardo Defillo says that in the unlikely case that the virus had spread to humans, it would not cause more than a bad cold. He said there is no reason to avoid eating chicken, a main local staple. The virus, which is usually spread through the air, is destroyed by heat, said Defillo.
Public Health Minister Dr. Bautista Rojas Gomez says that 50 birds that could have been in contact with the infected roosters were killed after the flu was detected, in order to isolate the virus and prevent further contamination.
Poultry farmers in the Cibao region say they are not concerned about the avian flu reports, because they were found in fighting cocks. Nonetheless, they are urging the authorities to keep monitoring the situation in the area and nationally.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)