Posted on 05/01/2006 8:47:39 AM PDT by edpc
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Authorities have discovered a mild form of avian influenza at a live bird market in New Jersey, but it is not the deadly H5N1 strain governments around the world are trying to contain, the state's agriculture department said.
"The strain was found in a live bird market in Camden County. None of the birds in the market died from this virus, which is an indicator that the virus was low pathogenic and not harmful to humans," said a statement by New Jersey's Agriculture Secretary Charles Kuperus which was posted on Friday.
Details were not immediately available on precisely when the avian flu in Camden County was discovered.
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza not only kills chickens quickly, but can now infect people, and governments around the world are scrambling to contain its spread. Scientists fear that if the virus acquires the ability to pass easily from person to person, it could cause a pandemic that would kill millions.
The H5N1 avian flu strain has already infected 205 people and killed 113 since 2003. Its spread has forced several countries to ban poultry imports from nations where the disease has spread.
The H5N1 virus has spread from Asia to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Kuperus said preliminary tests from the National Veterinary Services laboratory were negative for type N1 of the virus. More tests are pending at laboratories of the U.S. Agriculture Department in Ames, Iowa, to confirm the strain of the virus, he added.
"The market owner voluntarily depopulated his existing flock, and the market has undergone cleaning and disinfecting under New Jersey Department of Agriculture supervision," said Kuperus.
The market in Camden County will be inspected again by New Jersey's Division of Animal Health before being allowed to reopen.
Truth http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:14035606481645036071::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,32820
from Pro-MED monitoring emerging diseases. Don't read MSM and expect anything other than more hysteria - the death throes of the MSM.
I'll bet ABC News plays this up. That network plans a Bird Flu disaster movie for May sweeps.
Avi-Lite?
lol
I thought it was coming in via Alaska first....
There are always numerous influenza viruses abounding in bird populations. Most flus that affect humans come from birds. This 'news' item is not news. This has absolutely nothing to do with what we've commonly started calling 'bird flu'.
Anybody know where I can find some Tamiflu lite?
I live in the county next door, (Atlantic). No town named in the article but I bet it was in Vineland, NJ
Exactly. Every day I see warnings of a "bird-flu" epidemic. Statistically speaking, you are about as likely to get the "bird-flu" as you are of being attacked by a bear.
Vineland is in Cumberland County. Maybe it was Williamstown.
You're absolutely right. I like, however, the multiple references to the H5N1 strain that make the story seem more important than it is. Media hysteria.
I know...it's like they're intentionally trying to start a panic because it would be interesting for them to cover.
We live on the east coast and probably import some of our chicken from New Jersey. Not good. Anyone not taking precautions/preparations for this is crazy.
Avoid bird poop at all cost.
I would review pkgdan's remarks. This story, as presented, is a bit overblown. They admit early on the strain is not the feared H5N1, but continue to discuss it at length, anyway. Sure, you should be mindful of your suppliers (Tyson, Perdue,...etc), but this particular story is hype. If you watched last evening's Dateline, you probably shouldn't eat anything....now they're after salads tainted with e coli.
I'll try again. DON'T READ MSM HYSTERIA. It ain't news but only the death throes of traditional left-wing media. Tagline...
You're preaching to the choir with me. I posted the story to mock it....not to pass it off as important news.
Then my State Dept of Health must be hype also. As their website says 30% of our population in the state could be offed by bird flu. The children here are bringing information home from school from the Governor regarding this influenza. They are also having summits in every state in the US and countries all over the globe. Doesnt sound like hype to me...sounds like they know its already here.
On present understanding, H5 and H7 viruses are introduced to poultry flocks in their low pathogenic form. When allowed to circulate in poultry populations, the viruses can mutate, usually within a few months, into the highly pathogenic form. This is why the presence of an H5 or H7 virus in poultry is always cause for concern, even when the initial signs of infection are mild.
from WHO website
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