Russian Health Ministry Says Bird Flu Outbreaks Subsiding

Authorities say the virus is now present in only two locations (AFP) 29 November 2005 -- Russia's Health Ministry says outbreaks of bird flu in the country have subsided.
In a statement, the ministry said today the virus is now known to be present in only two locations in Russia.

One is in the region of Kurgan, about 2,100 kilometers southeast of Moscow; the other is in the Astrakhan region, 1,500 south of the capital.

On 1 November, authorities said outbreaks of bird flu had been detected in 10 different locations in Russia.

The virus was believed to have been transmitted by birds migrating westward from areas near Russia's border with China.

(AFP)