State To Test Wild Birds For Avian Flu

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Story Published: Jun 13, 2006 at 4:08 PM PST

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 7:27 AM PST

By Associated Press

OLYMPIA - Washington state biologists will begin testing at least 2,500 wild birds next month as part of the national effort to detect any cases of bird flu entering the United States.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife says it will focus on several species of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl that are most likely to interact with Asian migratory birds in the Arctic.

The first priority will be testing wild birds that are found dead, but live birds and fecal samples also will be tested.

The testing is designed to provide early detection of birds carrying the H5N1 strain of bird flu. The virus has led to the deaths or slaughter of millions of birds in Asia, Europe and Africa and killed more than 128 people who had close contract with sick birds. The bigger fear is that the virus could mutate into a form that could pass easily from human to human.

So far, no wild birds in North America have tested positive for the H5N1 strain.

The federal and state departments of Agriculture also are involved in parallel testing programs in the state.

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