Third case of high pathogenic avian influenza (H5) found in wild birds in Denmark

A third case of high pathogenic avian influenza type H5 has been found in Denmark.

On 21 March 2006 the Danish Veterinary and Food Research Institute confirmed that high pathogenic avian influenza (H5) has been found in one wild whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) in an area not far from the town Frederikssund. (The town is situated 40 km west of Copenhagen.) 

The bird was detected as a result of the existing Danish surveillance system against bird flu.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Research Institute will continue investigations in order to clarify whether it is the H5N1 type already detected in other wild birds in Denmark and several other EU countries.

As a matter of precaution the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration already on 20 March 2006 established a protection zone (minimum 3 km) and a surveillance zone (minimum 10 km) surrounding the location where the infected birds were found.

All poultry within the zones must be kept inside and all poultry holdings – including hobby holdings – must be registered. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will inspect all poultry holdings in the protection zone in the near future in order to look for possible further spread of bird flu.
 
Restrictions on movement of eggs and poultry have been imposed within the zones.

All hunting within the zones is also prohibited.

Information about the positive finding has been distributed to the European Communities. Furthermore OIE will be informed. 

Further information

On line information about the latest situation will be available on the website of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration http://www.fvst.dk/ where there is a daily update of the AI situation in Denmark.