Monday, April 03, 2006
Polish authorities destroy 32 wild swans infected with the bird flu virus
According to the Polish Press Agency, 32 wild swans in the northern city of Torun, infected with the bird flu virus were destroyed late Monday.
The aviary sheltering the infected swans has being quarantined, with a reinforcement of police guards. The birds were culled (slaughtered and disposed of), the bird carcasses were transferred to special disinfection facilities.
Poland’s first cases of bird flu were discovered early March on the banks of the Vistula River in Torun.
Following the discoveries, Torun built a special aviary to raise the wild swan flock inhabiting the area. After testing, 79 healthy swans were set free on April 1, and the other 32 were confirmed infected with the lethal bird flu virus.
Sources used in this bird flu story: