More bird flu found in Germany

THREE more wild birds in north-eastern Germany have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus, authorities said yesterday, bringing to 117 the total number of infected birds found in the region.

Germany's first cases of the virus, announced on February 14, were on the Baltic Sea island of Ruegen, which still accounts for most of the confirmed cases.

Since then, the virus also has been detected in nearby mainland areas. Yesterday, the state government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania said the H5N1 strain had been confirmed in two more swans and a Canada goose on the mainland.