Suspected bird flu virus detected in seagulls in Finland
Health officials prepare for possible pandemic
|
|
|
Health officials believe that a number of sick seagulls found in the Finnish city of Oulu were carriers avian influenza, or bird flu virus.
The Helsinki laboratory of the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute of Finland (EELA) published the results of its study on Friday. Final confirmation is expected in three weeks once the EU’s Reference Laboratory in Britain has examined the samples.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry says that the sick gulls were found in connection with an intensified monitoring programme aimed at preparing for the possible spread of bird flu.
A member of the public saw the birds, concluded that they might be sick, and alerted the Oulu laboratory of EELA. About ten seagulls were found, and about half of them were already dead.
Officials say that the virus in question is probably a weak low-pathogen version, which does not spread as easily as the more dangerous variation.
Avian influenza is not a new disease as such, and it occurs in wild birds all over the world. However, in crowded conditions, where people and birds live in close proximity, the virus can mutate. The first known transmission from bird to human took place in Hong Kong in 1997.
From Asia, the virus has spread to Kazakhstan and Russia, and there are concerns that it might reach Europe as well, spread by migratory water fowl.
Although there have not been any confirmed cases of the stronger version of the virus in Finland, special precautions have been implemented at poultry farms. The movements and behaviour of wild birds are also being monitored closely.
Finland has also banned the import of live birds and products produced from birds from the affected areas.
The possible spread of bird flu has prompted many Finns to contact the National Public Health Institute (KTL) for more information on the virus, and for instructions on handling dead birds.
Professor Petri Ruutu of the National Public Health Institute says that there are no reports of the disease spreading from one person to another. He also says that bird-to-human transmission is also quite rare. However, there is a danger of infection if an infected bird or its faeces are handled with bare hands.
The suspected case of bird flu occurred in the middle of the duck hunting season, prompting concern among hunters.
Hunters are advised to handle the birds with gloves, or at least to wash the hands after doing so. Cooked meat poses no danger, because the H5N1 virus is destroyed at 70 degrees Celsius.
Anyone who has handled dead birds, and later comes down with flu symptoms involving high fever, should seek medical attention immediately.
Finland has prepared for a possible bird flu pandemic by acquiring 1.3 million doses of an anti-viral medicine.
Helsingin Sanomat
|
| 29.8.2005 - TODAY |
 Suspected bird flu virus detected in seagulls in Finland
|
|
