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First Afghan bird flu case confirmed

Infection Control Monitor, March 16, 2006

Tests have confirmed the first outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in Afghanistan, the Associated Press reports. A joint U.N.-Afghan statement said samples taken from six birds in the capital, Kabul, and the eastern city of Jalalabad tested positive for the virus. This outbreak raises concern about how the Central Asian nation's government will deal with the spreading disease.

The government has already sought international aid to buy protective clothing, chemical disinfectant, and vaccines for its staff. However, Afghanistan's public veterinary system is weak and there is no quarantine system to check imported poultry at borders.

According to the statement, birds in affected areas will be culled, markets selling poultry will be closed and disinfected, and a public awareness campaign will be launched to teach people about the dangers of the virus.

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