Robert Webster's been a key blamer of wild birds for migrating about spreading H5N1 (I've emailed him at times, queried this notion).
Now, tho, reportedly seeing some daylight re HK records of dead munias etc with H5N1.
Quote:
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Leading virologists urged governments on Saturday to curb the trade of wild birds as they can spread the H5N1 bird flu virus, which has made a comeback in many parts of the world in recent months.
The warning comes as Hong Kong confirmed a scaly-breasted munia found dead in late February in the densely-populated district of Sham Shui Po had tested positive for the H5N1.
It was the 13th wild bird to have been found dead with the virus in Hong Kong since the start of this year.
"The munia is not a migratory bird. Again, it points to humans and the trade in movement of birds that are responsible for spreading this virus," said virologist Robert Webster from St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.
Small, wild birds are bought and sold across borders and released for religious purposes in many parts of the world. The practice is particularly strong in Hong Kong, which has a huge population of Buddhists and Taoists. The city imports the small birds mostly from mainland China.
still manages to get in mention of migrating birds spreading it about, at the end - and his Trojan Ducks theory (might apply in domestic ducks, but could also be the case that vaccinated poultry harbour h5n1.
But, progress it seems.
Bird flu experts urge halt to wild bird trade
Maybe of interest - albeit late - I sent info to Promed, which appeared 7 Jan, on wild bird trade in HK, and mentioning this forum.
AVIAN INFLUENZA, POULTR Y VS MIGRATORY BIRDS (05)
