More avian flu outbreaks reported in South Korea

[unhappycamper]

More avian flu outbreaks reported in South Korea
Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Saturday, April 19, 2008

SEOUL — South Korea raised its avian flu alert to orange Wednesday, the second highest level in its four-tier alert system, after more outbreaks were found this week at poultry farms across the country.

The first outbreak of the virus was reported earlier this month at a farm near Kunsan Air Base. The new cases include outbreaks at farms near Camp Humphreys, Kunsan Air Base and the city of Kwangju.

The closest outbreak to a U.S. facility was one about eight miles from Humphreys — about 40 miles south of Seoul.

“The 2008 outbreak is clearly heading towards rivaling the 2003-2004 outbreak for the number of farms that end up positive for the virus,” Col. James Jolissaint, commander of the 121st Combat Support Hospital, said in a message posted on the U.S. Forces Korea Web site.

No cases of avian flu have been reported in people, the message said.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54156