H5N1 Returns to Assam India

Recombinomics Commentary 21:01
November 26, 2008

“Preliminary tests by the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory have indicated bird flu to be the reason behind the poultry deaths. The confirmatory test from the same lab is expected tomorrow. The outbreak will be declared once the report identifies the strain,” Government officials said today.

The above comments, coupled with reports of dead poultry including ducks, strongly suggests that the strain in Assam, India will be H5N1. Several weeks ago Bangladesh reported an H5N1 outbreak and major outbreaks were reported in both countries last December and suspect poultry deaths in Assam were reported in January.

Media reports suggest there have been recent outbreaks in multiple locations in Assam, which would also support a migratory bird introductions into India and Bangladesh.