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Final tests confirm bird flu strain in Montana:USDA
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A final round of tests on wild ducks in Montana confirmed the birds tested positive for the low-pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior said on Saturday.
U.S. officials said the low pathogenic H5N3 avian influenza virus was found in two of the 16 samples collected from wild pintail ducks in Cascade County, Montana, in the west central part of the state.
Earlier tests released on September 21 had indicated the H5 and N1 subtypes in the bird samples.
"Because these rapid screening tests are highly sensitive, it is not uncommon to have positive results for a specific subtype on the initial screen test and yet not be able to isolate a virus of that subtype" through additional tests, the departments said in a statement.
The low-pathogenic avian influenza virus commonly occurs in nature, but usually results in minor sickness or no noticeable disease for birds. Low-pathogenic H5N1 has been confirmed in the United States this year including in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A final round of tests on wild ducks in Montana confirmed the birds tested positive for the low-pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior said on Saturday.
U.S. officials said the low pathogenic H5N3 avian influenza virus was found in two of the 16 samples collected from wild pintail ducks in Cascade County, Montana, in the west central part of the state.
Earlier tests released on September 21 had indicated the H5 and N1 subtypes in the bird samples.
"Because these rapid screening tests are highly sensitive, it is not uncommon to have positive results for a specific subtype on the initial screen test and yet not be able to isolate a virus of that subtype" through additional tests, the departments said in a statement.
The low-pathogenic avian influenza virus commonly occurs in nature, but usually results in minor sickness or no noticeable disease for birds. Low-pathogenic H5N1 has been confirmed in the United States this year including in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Maryland.