Scientists alarmed at mortality rate of bird flu

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

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Plagues, Pestilences and Diseases*
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Scientists alarmed at mortality rate of bird flu

*New Indonesian strain of virus kills 80% of those infected – up from 60%

--Radio New Zealand

Posted at 8:49pm on 07 Jul 2007

A New Zealand virologist says international scientists are very
concerned about the strain of bird flu currently affecting people in
Indonesia.

Lance Jennings told a veterinary conference in Christchurch it has a
higher mortality rate than any other strain before it.

Dr Jennings says that previously, bird flu has had a 60% mortality rate
but in Indonesia 80% of people infected were dying. He says if that
strain takes hold in more humans, thousands would die.

"What we're concerned about is if this virus does adapt to humans and
retains that mortality rate, we're in deep, deep trouble."

Dr Jennings says all those in the animal industry need to be aware of
the serious threat the current strain, H5N1, presents.

He says surveillance is the backbone to being able to developed and
improve vaccines and treatments. Pandemic planning must continue and not
be put on the back burner.

Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand