Press Release: No outbreak of Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) in Denmark

No outbreak of bird flu (Avian Influenza) in Denmark

The International Herald Tribune on Thursday 16 February 2006 reported that Bird Flu (the highly pathogen avian flu H5N1) was found in Denmark. This is not the case.

So far highly pathogen avian flu H5N1 has never been found in Denmark.

Due to reports on Wednesday, 15 February 2006 that H5N1 had been found on the German Island (Rugen) 60 km from the Danish boarders, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has as a matter of precaution immediately ordered Danish farmers that all commercial poultry must be kept inside.

The owners of non commercial flocks are also encouraged to protect their birds and poultry by keeping them inside or providing them with feed and water under a shelter.

Furthermore an existing surveillance programme for bird flu has been intensified.

Presently, a number of dead swans found in costal areas of Denmark are being investigated to check whether they are infected with the highly pathogen avian flu H5N1. A final result is expected to be available on Friday 17 February 2006 late in the afternoon.

If bird flu is found in Denmark this will be immediately announced by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.