The aves, and ave nots

More on the bird flu front from The Economist this week. With bird flu detected in wild birds in a dozen European countries, and in the poultry across Egypt, Nigeria and India, we will be publishing a story in the science section looking at the increasing evidence that the trade and movement of poultry is playing in the spread of this disease. Along with this article will be an editorial arguing that amidst the flap about bird flu in wild European birds, we are missing more far significant events in the spread of bird flu in Africa. Versions of these articles will appear over the next few days.

Update 24th February:

The aves, and ave nots

Feb 23rd 2006

Avian influenza is spreading to many new countries. But migrating wild birds may not be the only culprits

IN AROUND a month, bird flu has appeared in a seemingly alarming number of new countries. The disease is already endemic in the poultry flocks of much of Asia. In the face of the relentless march of the H5N1 virus around the world, fatalism is not an appropriate response. Better to look at exactly what is going on. (more...)

Editorial: Ominous

Feb 23rd 2006

Bird flu spreads around the globe

FOR most of the past three years, the highly pathogenic bird flu known as H5N1 has been found mainly in Asia. Suddenly it has arrived in many countries in Europe, triggering widespread alarm. The detection of the virus in wild birds across Europe is certainly a cause for concern, particularly to Europe's poultry farmers, who are rightfully worried that the presence of the virus in wild birds will increase the risk to their flocks. However, in the midst of a European debate about the benefits of vaccinating chickens and whether or not poultry should be brought indoors, there is a danger that far more significant events elsewhere will be overlooked. (more... subscription required)