Avian Influenza Continues March across Europe, Infected Cat Diagnosed

March 2, 2006 — 

Sweden has become the latest European country to diagnose H5N1 avian influenza in wild birds. The two infected ducks were located near a town on the east coast. A cat found dead on the German island of Rügen where wild birds infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype of avian influenza have been found, has tested positive for the virus as well. This finding, although not indicative of a mutation in the virus, has prompted health officials to issue recommendations to cat owners designed to minimize the risk of infection and potential transmission to humans.

Currently, nine European Union countries have detected the virus: Sweden, France, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Austria, Hungary and Germany. Worldwide, there have been 173 reported cases of human infection resulting mostly from close contact with infected poultry. None have been linked to the consumption of poultry, however.

Source:
Eurosurveillance, March 2, 2006