BIRD FLU CONFIRMED IN 40 RUSSIAN SETTLEMENTS, SUSPECTED IN 78

[August 20, 2005, 17:55:15]

Bird flu has been confirmed in 40 Russian settlements and suspected in another 78, the Agriculture Ministry's press service said citing the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phitosanitary infection on Friday.

In the Altai territory, the dangerous infection was confirmed in one hitherto suspected village. As of August 19, bird flu was detected and confirmed by laboratory tests in eight settlements located in five districts, PRIME-TASS said.

Laboratory tests are being carried out for another eight settlements in eight Altai districts.

In the Tyumen region, veterinary services culled all the poultry in the settlements hit by bird flu. In the Omsk region, bird flu was confirmed in six suspected settlements, including in two populated areas and on four lakes among waterfowl. Culling is underway in the affected areas. Results of bird flu tests are due in 32 Omsk region settlements.

In the Kurgan region, bird flu was confirmed in six settlements, and suspected in another 13.