From: Martin Williams <>
Date: 16 August 2005 2:30:30 PM
Subject: [OB] birds more dangerous than Nazis?
Hi All:
H5N1 bird flu (in wild birds) is very much back in the news, and
causing much discussion, with notions bandied about - often with way
too much certainty I think - that wild birds will soon bring this flu
to the US and Europe.
Most over the top post I've yet seen on v active forum at the
Agonist.org (the Alarmist.org?) says:
" It was suspected over a year ago that migratory birds were spreading
H5N1. Furthermore, it is known that on Qinghai Lake (a nexus of bird
migration) a very dangerous HPAI strain of H5N1 evolved. You can see
the birds spreading it west along their migration route, yet some
skeptics "point to ground transport of domestic poultry as the most
likely means of spreading the virus."
We don't need to track these birds, we need to exterminate them. They
will rain more death onto Europe than Nazi airplanes."
Currently, wild birds being blamed for spreading bird flu from nw China
northwest into Russia, and westwards. No matter that reported outbreak
timings don't fit this notion - as during/late in breeding season, when
birds shouldn't be moving north [they're also said to be moving west
and northwest; seems that doesn't matter what point of the compass
outbreaks appear, wild birds conveniently blamed). Nial Moores of Birds
Korea has noted that bar-headed geese, said to be a flu vector, are
moulting so flightless at this time!
Nial is preparing a position paper, for Birds Korea; will soon appear
on that site, and he or Charlie Moores will post link here.
I've started a forum on H5N1 Avian Flu and Wild Birds; few posters so
far, but includes some strong emails from Nial, so maybe worth checking
out (and further posts welcome):
Itemid,137/func,showcat/catid,7/
- also on my site is info on why wild birds not responsible for 2003/04
spread of bird flu, and some background info and links.
Plus if you've any energy, maybe visit Agonist.org boards, and post
there.
Best regards,
Martin
www.hkoutdoors.com: Your guide to enjoying and protecting wild Hong Kong
www.drmartinwilliams.com: writing, photography, conservation
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