USA: LP (?) Avian Flu in mallard

[Gert van der Hoek]

Bird flu detected in Rhode Island

Disease found in a mallard killed by hunter

Last Edited: Thursday, 11 Dec 2008, 5:18 PM EST
Created On: Thursday, 11 Dec 2008, 4:32 PM EST

Ashley Erling

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - The Department of Environmental Management says a strain of avian influenza (bird flu) has been found in a mallard killed by a hunter in Johnston last month.

Officials say it is not the same strain of the disease that has infected people in Asia and Europe, and has no known risk to humans.

However, the DEM warns that the virus can be transmitted to other birds, and is asking hunters to help the agency monitor and control the spreading of the disease.

Any hunters who kill waterfowl in the area are asked to contact the DEM to make the birds available for sampling. To have birds tested, farmers should call 401-222-4700, ext. 4511. Hunters should call 401-789-0280.

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wpri_bird_flu_detected_in_ri

[Shiloh]

Re: USA: LP (?) Avian Flu in mallard

Source: http://www.projo.com/news/environmen...4.3d565a0.html

Mallard shot in Johnston was infected with avian flu

01:00 AM EST on Friday, December 12, 2008

The state Department of Environmental Management is asking hunters and poultry farmers, especially in the Johnston area, to be watchful for birds that appear ill.

A mallard shot by a hunter in Johnston last month was found to be infected with the H5 strain of the avian influenza virus. While that strain isn?t the one that has infected people in Asia and Europe, and it has no known health risk to people, it can be transmitted to other birds.

This particular strain appears to be nonfatal, said state veterinarian Dr. Scott Marshall, but there is concern it could mutate into a higher pathogenic form that could be fatal for birds. The virus has appeared in wild waterfowl from time to time, most recently in a mute swan earlier this year, Marshall said. The state keeps tabs on the virus by testing waterfowl submitted voluntarily by hunters.

The symptoms are difficult to detect for the average observer, although poultry farmers may notice fowl with respiratory illnesses or a drop in egg production, Marshall said.

To keep watch on the virus, the state is now requesting hunters to allow the testing of the waterfowl they?ve killed by calling the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (401) 789-0281. (The division does not keep the carcass.) Those who keep poultry or live in areas where there are migratory waterfowl and are concerned can call the division for testing at (401) 222-4700, ext. 4511.

? Amanda Milkovits