After China braced for a new possible epidemic of a strain previously unknown to infect humans, the avian strain of H7N9 that has now made mode than 60 people sick, Cambodia reported that it too was suffering a particularly serious spike in the incidence of H5N1, the 'other' avian flu, with a higher number of fatalities, which has been hovering in that part of Asia for more than a decade.
New clues however, point to a specially disease frought year. Bird deaths observed in China were an indication that something was afoot.
Now Vietnam reports that its Salangane birds, a species similar to swallows, that is raised by people in the central city of Phan Rang, are dying at an unusual rate, and belive to be infected with a strain of the H5N1.
Almost 4,900 Salangane birds were found dead of a 10,000 flock raised by Yen Viet Company LImited.
Of the birds tested, eight were positive for H5N1.
The only solution at this time, is to cull the remainder of the birds, since there is no alternative strategy.
A remaining 54 breeding houses in the same city are under close scrutiny for signs of infection.
The reason Salangane birds are man raised, is because their nests are harvested for consumption. The nests are very nutritious. The nests sell on the market for 125 dollars a kilogram.
Source: Xinhua 4.15.13
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