Bird Flu Not Seen As Cause Of Sea Bird Deaths On Rangiroa
Pacific Magazine
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Rangiroa (French Polynesia):
Tahitipresse reports that the lethal bird flu virus is apparently not the cause of the mysterious sea bird deaths on the Tuamotu atoll of Rangiroa late last year, according to Temaru government environmental and health officials.
A veterinary doctor who visited the atoll, a 55-minute flight from Tahiti, found nothing abnormal in the sea birds' deaths, Claude Serra of the government's Environment Department told Tahitipresse Wednesday.
The government's avian influenza crisis cell was immediately activated Tuesday following an unconfirmed report of abnormal sea bird deaths between last October and December on Rangiroa, which is 322 km (200 miles) northwest of Papeete. The crisis cell involves officials from the Durable Development Department, the Public Hygiene Center and the Public Health Department, as well as veterinarians.
Meanwhile, the Temaru government's Council of Ministers meeting Wednesday reported that French Polynesia has been included in the French government's plan for compiling stocks of face masks and anti-virus medication as part of a bird flu preparation plan.
Jan 15, 2006
Pacific Magazine
_____________
Rangiroa (French Polynesia):
Tahitipresse reports that the lethal bird flu virus is apparently not the cause of the mysterious sea bird deaths on the Tuamotu atoll of Rangiroa late last year, according to Temaru government environmental and health officials.
A veterinary doctor who visited the atoll, a 55-minute flight from Tahiti, found nothing abnormal in the sea birds' deaths, Claude Serra of the government's Environment Department told Tahitipresse Wednesday.
The government's avian influenza crisis cell was immediately activated Tuesday following an unconfirmed report of abnormal sea bird deaths between last October and December on Rangiroa, which is 322 km (200 miles) northwest of Papeete. The crisis cell involves officials from the Durable Development Department, the Public Hygiene Center and the Public Health Department, as well as veterinarians.
Meanwhile, the Temaru government's Council of Ministers meeting Wednesday reported that French Polynesia has been included in the French government's plan for compiling stocks of face masks and anti-virus medication as part of a bird flu preparation plan.
Jan 15, 2006
