Commentary
H5N1
Confirmed in South Sikkim India
Recombinomics Commentary
12:33
January 19, 2009
The above comments confirm H5N1 in Sikkim, India following reports of excessive poultry deaths in multiple areas (see updated map). The presence of H5N1 in these areas is not a surprise. The confirmation of H5N1 in Siliguri suggested H5N1 was in adjacent areas, and H5N1 has now been confirmed in Nepal and Sikkim. These confirmations, couple with additional outbreaks in northern West Bengal raise additional questions about surveillance and reporting of H5N1 in China and Bhutan, which are 20-30 miles from multiple confirmed outbreaks.
China has reported three confirmed H5N1 cases, raising concerns of H5N1 in asymptomatic flocks which can infected unvaccinated hosts, including wild birds and humans..
As the temperature declines, more outbreaks are expected.
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