Monday, October 31, 2011

Malaya-Bird flu warning out

Bird flu warning out

THE public should refrain from catching, handling, keeping and trading wild birds to avoid the risk of bird flu.
In a public advisory, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) warns that the deadly bird flu can be easily transmitted through inhalation or direct contact with infected discharges or feces of sick birds.
The public should keep away from any bird that may be found dead and to immediately report cases of unusual die offs of wild birds to the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau,Telefax No. 9258953, or to the nearest field offices of the DENR and the Department of Health.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization recently reported the possible major resurgence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 with signs of a mutant strain of the H5N1 virus that is making inroads in Asia and other parts of the world, with unpredictable risks to human health and the poultry industry.
The ban on importation of birds from 63 countries which have been infected with bird flu remains in place since bird flu was first detected in 2003.
Recently affected countries include Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Mongolia, Romania and Vietnam. The new mutant strain of the virus has also been found in China and Vietnam.

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