No Avian Flu Found In NM

The avian flu is once again in the headlines. The death of a 19 year old woman in China is the first in that country since 2008, but the Chinese Health Ministry is forecasting an increase in the number of birds carrying the disease this year. Two more deaths in Indonesia (bringing their total to 115), and the recent finding that the flu is becoming more resistant to antiviral drugs is raising concerns among scientists.

However, there are some good news items. Worldwide deaths from the flu have decreased by 55% from 2007 to 2008, and here in New Mexico tests found no asian flu:

Tests at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge have turned up no sign of avian influenza. To date, the H5N1 virus has not been detected in the United States or anywhere in the western hemisphere. The state Department of Game and Fish, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies finished annual testing at the wildlife refuge near Socorro this week, using a rocket net to capture ducks. It's part of a national program to test for avian flu. Migratory waterfowl also were tested at the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, the Bernardo Wildlife Management Area and New Mexico Tech in Socorro. Officials checked 120 each of mallards, pintails, widgeons, green-winged teal and blue-winged teal.