Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Bosnia confirms first case of avian influenza
Authorities in Bosnia have confirmed that two swans discovered in central Bosnia-Herzegovina have tested positive for the H5 strain of avian influenza. Further tests at a British laboratory will determine whether it is the lethal H5N1 strain of avian influenza, officials stated.
Jozo Bagaric, head of Bosnia’s Veterinary Administration, said in a statement that tests conducted at the veterinary laboratory in the central city of Sarajevo have confirmed the presence of the H5 virus.
Samples from the swans found on Friday at the Malo Plivsko lake near the central town of Jajce, in addition to the results of the initial tests, were sent for more detailed analysis at the European Union’s laboratory in Weybridge, England, according to Bagaric.
Results were expected by the end of the week. As a precautionary measure, veterinary authorities have ordered the culling (slaughter and disposal) of the remaining 15 swans at the Malo Plivsko lake.