Once again, the fears of bird flu are pervading Europe (WAR Report). Initially, the deadly strain of the H5N1 virus was picked up on the fringes on the eastern fringes of Turkey and Romania after first showing up in Russia . While bird flu has, until recently, been a problem only found in Asia, it seems to be spreading west on the paths of migratory birds. Both wild birds and domestic livestock have picked up the virus. While bans on the export of poultry from affected countries were quickly enacted and these countries have taken the appropriate measures to contain the outbreak, the paths of nature seem difficult to contain. Turkey seems to have contained the outbreak, but a new outbreak has occurred in Romania, and the virus may have since spread to Bulgaria and Croatia . The Romanian flare-up is also close to the Ukrainian border. Now that the virus has allegedly crossed Europe?s legal borders, concern seems to have grown exponentially.

Thus far, the infected birds found have been in small, isolated outbreaks. It is not the same situation as in Asia where birds and people are crowded together. Thus far, the virus has not jumped to humans as it has in Asia, infecting 117 people and killing 60. There are still fears that the strains of the virus could mutate sparking a global pandemic (WAR Report). While the numbers are not large in Europe, they are growing, and that this virus has jumped to humans is worrisome. Just because it has not happened in Europe as yet is no guarantee that it will not. After all, this virus, which many thought was a problem for another part of the world, is now knocking at Europe?s doors. Also, the virus mutating to infect humans on a wider, more destructive basis is a possibility that cannot be ignored. On the other hand, this virus is not yet a Europe-wide epidemic.

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