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Avian Flu Information

Bird Flu Line
222-4080
  
News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: August 31, 2006
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM TESTING MIGRATORY WATERFOWL FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that its Division of Fish and Wildlife has been participating in a nationwide effort of surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds.

The spread of a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus in Asia has elevated concerns about potential expansion of the virus to North America, since the movement pattern of some migratory birds is intercontinental, including movement from Asia to North America. As a result, there is potential that highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 could enter North America through migratory birds. In an effort to monitor Rhode Island's migratory birds, the Division has been working cooperatively with other agencies such as the US Department of Agriculture and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to collect samples from migratory waterfowl to be tested for the virus.

Currently, the Division has finished its first segment of sample collection from some of the state's breeding waterfowl. To date, there have been no positive detections for Asian H1 in wild birds sampled in Rhode Island. The state plans to collect a total of 400 samples from inland and coastal waterfowl. The next segment of surveillance will require the participation of hunters during the upcoming waterfowl-hunting season.

The Division is requesting samples from hunters for the following species of waterfowl: Canada goose, greater scaup, mallard, Atlantic brant, and American wigeon. Division staff will be stationed at designated areas that receive high hunter use to collect swab samples from hunter-killed birds and may request to sample harvested birds. Sampling does not require that the Division retain the carcass. Hunters may also volunteer to have their birds sampled by contacting the Division at 789-0281.

Recorded information on avian influenza can be heard by calling DEM's 24-hour Bird Flu Line at 222-4080. Information is also available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Avian Flu" under "Timely Topics." Additionally, for a wide variety of information on pandemic influenza and the state's plan, visit the Department of Health website, www.health.ri.gov.

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