The first dog died of bird flu

Azerbaijan health officials claim a stray dog ​​in the country died of bird flu. This is considered the first time that the H5N1 virus has killed a dog.

The dog died of H5N1 infection found in Baku capital on March 9. "After analysis, the type A influenza virus was discovered. We are conducting a medical investigation on this case," quoted a statement from the Anti-Influenza Committee of Azerbaijan.

According to the Azerbaijan authorities, the first three people in the country died from the H5N1 virus on March 12. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not confirmed the three cases but confirmed that the US Navy laboratory - which conducts relevant tests - is reliable.

The Azerbaijan health workers destroy poultry in the affected area (Photo: VNN)

Last month, Azerbaijan also detected the H5N1 strain in migratory birds. The government has taken measures to quarantine the two areas - where there are three first deaths - with all entrances under control.

With three victims in Azerbaijan, the total number of people killed by influenza virus according to WHO statistics has increased to 101 since the outbreak back in late 2003.

It is not yet possible to confirm whether the virus spreads from person to person. Most victims are caused by direct contact with infected poultry. However, scientists are concerned that avian influenza can be transformed into a form that can be transmitted from human to human, posing a risk of developing into a new pandemic out of control. According to WHO forecasts, human influenza outbreaks, if occurring, can kill 5-7.4 million people worldwide.

Previously, the World Bank warned that if the pandemic of bird flu occurred, the world economy could suffer about 800 billion USD, equivalent to 2% of global GDP.

Thanh Hao (According to BBC, Reuters)