Russia warns of high risks as China registers 2 new strains of bird flu

Several cases of avian flu (bird flu) have been registered in China, including two new strains H5N3 and H5N8, the Russian agricultural watchdog’s department in the Novosibirsk Region said on Thursday.
In the statement, the watchdog warned of high risks of virus spreading to the territory of Russia, including to the Novosibirsk Region, in south-west Siberia.
The authority has demanded that local poultry farms increase control and carry out monitoring laboratory tests for bird flu.
In October, Rosselkhoznadzor said for the first time since 2010 that the bird flu has been registered in Russia. The watchdog said the virus has spread across Southeast Asia.
The H5N1 virus was found in biological material of waterfowl at private farms in the Altai Region. Previous bird flu cases in Russia were registered in 2008 (Primorye Region) and 2009-2010 (Tyva Republic).
Bird flu is a highly pathogenic virus disease which can be transmitted to humans during сontact with birds. The virus affects the digestive and respiratory systems and has high mortality rate.