- In an announcement made by the Bulgarian Ministry of
Health on 26th (August), the Northern Bulgarian City (or Town) of Fo-la-cha
(literal translation, I did a quick scan of the Bulgarian map. I suspect
that it MAY be Vratsa or Fuse that is being referred to) reported the discovery
of the Avian Influenza. The European Union has asked Bulgarian authorities
to take urgent control measures.
-
- The above translation of a boxun report suggest that
H5N1 wild bird flu has been detected in Bulgaria. Although Bulgaria has
been discussed as a possible site of migration of birds infected with H5N1,
there have been no clearly confirmed reports. Several weeks ago dead birds
were reported at the mouth of the Volga River at the Caspian Sea and Russia
has reported dead birds in Kalmyka, although the cause of death has varied
almost daily.
-
- The boxun report would advance bird flu the furthest
south and west in Europe. The birds migrating from the Urals are expected
to move into the Caspian, Black, and Mediteranian Sea areas, including
northern Africa (see map). Since the migratory paths cross, the spread
can be extensive, especially when the H5N1 jumps from species to species.
One banding study showed a bird from Finland showing up in Texas.
-
- The rapid spread of H5N1 wild bird flu into Europe suggests
H5N1 will be worldwide soon. This global reach increases the likelihood
of recombinations, leading to efficient human-to-human transmission, which
could generate a pandemic that eclipses 1918.
-
-
- From Patricia Doyle, PhD
-
- Hello Jeff - I wish I had been wrong when I said I thought
the flu would hit the Balkins and may then travel into North Africa and
into subsahara Africa. It looks like Bulgaria may have cases.
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- Patricia A. Doyle, PhD
- Please visit my "Emerging
Diseases" message board.
-
- Zhan le Devlesa tai sastimasa
- Go with God and in Good Health
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