Dramatic Jump in H5N1 in Bangladesh
Recombinomics Commentary 18:18
February 10, 2008
The expanded culling in Bangladesh signals more spread of H5N1, as indicated in the latest daily report from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. In the February 9 report, the number of farms with confirmed H5 jumped from 121 to 131. The number of confirmed districts rose from 38 to 40 (Chittagong and Kishoregonj). The number of culled farms rose from 202 to 228 (see satellite maps here here here). This dramatic jump was on top of the jump from 179 to 202 culled farms in the February 6 report.
The increase in farms culled from 179 to 228 indicates H5N1 is spreading rapidly in Bangladesh, including areas which border West Bengal. However, West Bengal is reporting a dramatic reduction in excessive poultry deaths. The confirmation of H5N1 in crows in Bangaldesh in regions bordering West Bengal, cast serious doubt on the West Bengal lack of reported outbreaks. In the past West Bengal maintained a low level of new outbreaks by simply not testing dead birds. Moreover, India has never reported H5n1 in resident or migratory wild birds, even though excessive deaths in association with H5N1 poultry have been confirmed.
At this stage the reports of H5N1 spread in India appear to be little more than a public relations game.
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