Bird flu attacks Western Europe

Avian flu is threatening Europe. After Hungary and Russia, in turn a farm in Suffolk, eastern England, more than 2,600 turkeys died of the H5N1 virus.

In Asia, the situation is also very worrying. Yesterday, Japan confirmed the fourth bird flu outbreak in Miyazaki province in the southwest. However, no human cases have been reported so far. In Thailand, bird flu has spread to Angthong province, the third province since the beginning of this year. Chicken and fighting chicken in Samko district were confirmed to be infected with H5N1.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong scientists found that avian influenza virus could penetrate the nasopharynx's cells in the upper respiratory tract, not necessarily go deep into the lungs to infect people. This result is in contrast to the announcement of US scientists in 2006 that the H5N1 virus cannot be easily transmitted to humans because it needs to lie deep in the lungs of a new patient.

Spraying poultry disinfectants at Bangkok's suburban control point (Photo: Reuters)

Indonesian officials have announced that the country has successfully studied a vaccine that can be given to humans to prevent bird flu. The vaccine was made from a sample of H5N1 virus taken from bird flu patients in the country, and proved effective at the laboratory stage. If the mass test is successful, the vaccine will be used primarily for slaughter workers or contact with infected poultry.

SUPPLY