Confirmed H5N1 Spread to Natore Bangladesh

Recombinomics Commentary 00:57
December 22, 2008

The December 20 update from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in Bangladesh includes an additional culling in Natore. The cumulative number of birds culled increased by 665, suggesting the outbreak is in a small backyard holding. The western border of Natore is 20 miles from the Murshidabad border in West Bengal (see updated map), and another 20 miles from the border with Birbhum, the first district to report H5N1 last season (see 2008 map).

Both Mushidabad and Birbhum have recently reported excessive poultry deaths, while Malda has confirmed H5N1, which has resulted in the culling of over 20,000 birds. Moreover, Malda reported hundreds of dead crows and excessive poultry deaths in blocks to the north of the confirmed outbreak in Englishbazar.

The confirmed H5N1 in Natore, Bangladesh near the West Bengal border suggests addition spread of H5N1 will be reported in the near term.