New Cases of Bird Flu

It is reported that three new cases of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has been found on poultry farms in the west African nation of Togo. New cases were found in dead birds on farms in the Lacs, Golfe, and Zio regions east of the capital Lome.

Testing confirmed the presence of the virus in late June in Togo. About 8,000 poultry birds were killed in the area and local poultry markets were closed. They also took more control over poultry imports. Last October, Togo banned the import of live poultry and poultry products from countries affected by the virus.

Since 2003, the virus has killed 191 out of 313 infected people worldwide. The death toll could multiply quickly if the virus mutates and would become easily transmitted between humans.