DENMARK AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE - ADDITIONAL

UNCLAS COPENHAGEN 000360 SIPDIS SIPDIS USEU PASS TO DKANAREK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC KFLU EAGR EAID ECON PREL SENV TBIO DA SUBJECT: DENMARK AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE - ADDITIONAL CASES REPORTED REF: A) COPENHAGEN 329 B) COPENHAGEN 209 ¶1. Danish authorities have now confirmed that the virus found in a white buzzard on the island of Svinoe ten days ago is of the H5N1 strain. Health authorities also confirmed that nine dead tufted ducks found on the island of Aeroe in south central Denmark last week were carrying the H5N1 virus. A third case was discovered March 20 in a dead whooper swan in Frederikssund, 30 miles north-west of Copenhagen. ¶2. It has not yet been confirmed whether the Frederikssund swan was carrying the H5N1 virus, but authorities expect the result to be "positive." Samples have been sent for second testing to the EU reference laboratory in Weybridge, UK in order to reconfirm that it is the H5N1 strain of the virus. ¶3. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) have invoked EU precautionary measures in the affected areas. (Ref A) ¶4. Danish and WHO health authorities are continuing to urge calm and stressing that the presence of avian influenza in Danish wild birds and/or poultry should not raise concerns for human health. (Ref B) KAISER