Bird flu found in US is less 'pathogenic' strain

Scientists have discovered the possible presence of bird flu in wild mute swans in Michigan, US, but say it does not appear to be the worrisome, highly pathogenic strain.

“They believe it is a strain of low pathogenicity, similar to strains that have been seen before in North America,” White House spokesman Tony Snow said. Testing is still being done to confirm the presence of the virus and its type, officials added.

Scientists had feared that the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu would reach North America sometime this year. Just last week, the US expanded monitoring of wild migratory birds throughout the nation, to check for early warning signs.

However, health officials stress that the appearance of the virus in wild birds would not be a public health crisis, especially if it were the less worrisome, low-pathogenic strain.