OTTAWA, Oct 31 (KUNA) -- A number of wild birds infected with H5 strain of the bird flu were discovered in Quebec and Ontario Monday, said a medical source.
In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Trevor Desouza said it is not known if the strain is part of the H5N1 type that is widespread in south-east Asia, adding that the tests' results will not be back before mid-next week.
Desouza explained that domestic birds are most prone to get infected with H5N1 because migrating birds transport it with them and distribute it through their saliva and debris that could cause an infection through breathing or the mouth, adding that H5N1 symptoms are similar to those of the common flu, such as fever, cough, sore throat, which might develop into diarrhea and pneumonitis.
Although existing antibiotics could treat the current cases of the bird flu, he warned that the strains might mutate into a more complex type that could not be treated with available medications, especially with the relatively long time it takes to produce the serums.
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