Bird Flu not Immediate Threat to Wild Birds
The Mississippi Press
2006 May 21
Author Royce Armstrong

LUCEDALE -- One of the concerns raised in the recent flurry of media stories about the Asian bird flu is that it could be spread by wild birds, a scenario of special concern for people living along the Gulf Coast.

The Coast is home to countless shore birds and is a respite for migratory waterfowl. The Pascagoula River system is a major corridor for annual songbird migrations. Jackson County is home to the last sizeable area of natural pine savannah; habitat for the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane. Thousands of households maintain feeders for backyard birds.

"Yes, we are concerned," said Scott Hereford, the senior wildlife biologist and crane specialist at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge near Gautier. "We do not have any detailed plans for dealing with the avian flu at this time. The Department of the Interior is doing preparation work in case the flu reaches this country. We are also working closely with the National Wildlife Health Center."

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Two New Czech Bird Flu Cases Detected
CTK - Czech News Agency
2006 May 19

Prague- Vets have discovered two new cases of bird flu in dead swans found in southern Moravia, State Veterinary Authority spokesman Josef Duben said.

Tests have confirmed the H5 virus in both birds, and a highly contagious form in one case, he added.

In all, 14 cases of bird flu have occurred in the Czech Republic. The previous 12 dead swans were found in South Bohemia and all of them were infected with the H5N1 strain, dangerous to humans.

Special measures will now be introduced in the critical area. The towns and villages situated in the zones of strict protection and supervision must make a count of all household poultry breeds and secure containers for the dead birds.

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