Turkey release nine people after tests for bird flu

TURKISH officials carried out medical tests on nine people living in a neighbourhood where 40 pigeons reportedly died, but released the nine from medical observation yesterday after determining it was unlikely they had bird flu.

Officials confirmed earlier bird deaths in Turkey had been caused by the virulent H5N1 strain of the virus, which is easily transmitted between birds but difficult for humans to contract.

In Kiziksa, where the earlier deaths occurred among birds, veterinary officials in protective suits were culling the few remaining birds.