An expert with the country's agricultural ministry has said that migratory birds may have carried the H7N9 avian influenza virus into China.
According to health authorities, a total of 20 H7N9 cases have been reported in the country till Sunday evening, including the six cases that ended in fatalities.
Bird Flu
Bird flu (avian influenza/avian flu) is a disease caused by an influenza virus (H5N1) that primarily affects birds but can infect humans also.
Advertisement
As the source of infection and its transmission remained unclear, the possibility of migratory birds carrying the H7N9 avian influenza virus into the country could not be ruled out, Xinhua quoted Yu Kangzhen, the chief veterinarian with the agriculture ministry, as saying Sunday.
The virus has mostly been found in live poultry trading markets, not in farms raising poultry, he said, adding the virus had not been found in pigs so far.
He said the number of most infections have been reported from Shanghai, but the possibility of the virus spreading further also existed.
Source: IANS
He said the number of most infections have been reported from Shanghai, but the possibility of the virus spreading further also existed.
Source: IANS
WHO Says New Strain of Bird Flu in China is Not Spreading Between People
The World Health Organization revealed that there is no evidence that the infection is being transmitted between people.
Advertisement
 Response to Bird Flu Spread Boosted By ChinaTo prevent the spread of H7N9 avian influenza, which has killed six people in the country, Shanghai's live poultry markets were shut on Saturday as it culled birds. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Bird Flu News
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture confirmed a new highly pathogenic avian flu case at an Ibaraki poultry farm, marking the country's second outbreak this season.
Scientists have successfully utilized gene editing techniques to control the transmission of avian influenza among chickens.
The study reports documented cases of A (H3N8) avian influenza viruses crossing species boundaries and affecting a range of mammals, including dogs and horses.
Researchers monitored the continuing avian flu pandemic to gauge its evolving risk to both humans and birds.
Bird flu in Brazil: Authorities are watching if the bird flu virus H5N1 is mutating into a form which can spread amongst humans.