H5N1 Virus Found in Germany

VANCOUVER - Feb 15/06 - SNS -- The highly pathogenic form of avian influenza, the H5N1 strain, continues to spread across Europe -- devastating demand for poultry products and prompting European governments to order farmers to lock up their flocks to avoid infection by migratory birds.

Germany and Austria confirmed the discovery of dead H5N1 infected swans. The World Animal Health Organization (OIE) says this does not mean the disease has spread to domestic flocks, but it underscores the need for vigilance.

Over the weekend, dead H5N1 infected wild birds were found in Italy and Greece. Farm officials say Italian consumers responded immediately to the news of the infections and demand for poultry products has plunged 50% since the weekend. Poultry demand is off 15% in France, while demand is holding up in the United Kingdom, where chickens are already raised indoors.

Poultry demand was already off between 10% and 15% in Germany, but agriculture officials in the country fear the latest news will cause further weakness in the sector.