Russia confirms more bird flu - is it bioterrorism?

As Russia authorities try to contain an outbreak of bird flu near Moscow news emerges that about 3,000 wild ducks have been destroyed near the Black Sea city of Anapa after a number were found dead. No human cases of bird flu have been recorded in Russia yet.
Experts are also testing at a fourth location near the capital. According to a veterinary official it is almost certain the deadly H5N1 strain, as in three earlier cases. Measures have been put in place to combat the spread of the disease. The chickens involved in all cases were thought to have been bought at a market close to the main motorway encircling Moscow. People in contact with the dead birds were taken to hospital but showed no signs of any illness. The outbreak is Russia's second this year and the first recorded close to the capital.

The chief veterinary official for the Moscow region, Valery Sitnikov, told Interfax on Sunday that bio-terrorism can not be discouunted as a cause of the Moscow poultry market bird flu outbreak. He said this was a matter for the Federal Security Service and other law enforcement services.
"The regional veterinary services have almost no doubts that the deadly illness came from Moscow's poultry market", Sitnikov said. "The birds that contracted the disease on the poultry market could have infected other fowl. Bird flu symptoms appear two-three days following infection, which can be seen from what is happening. The first decorative hen was bought on February 9. It died on February 11. In the second case, several hens, bought on February 11, died on February 13," he said. "The management of the poultry market for some reasons have failed to block the arrival of birds infected by the virus. I don't rule out bio-terrorism. The Federal Security Service and other law enforcement agencies must have their say," the official said.