Avian influenza antigens found in dead wild mammal for 1st time
Avian influenza antigens of the H5 strain have been detected in a dead wild mammal in the first case reported in South Korea, the environment ministry said Tuesday.
The bird flu antigens were detected in the body of a wild leopard cat found near a reservoir in the southwestern county of Hwasun, 277 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the ministry.
The ministry has notified relevant government agencies and conducted emergency anti-epidemic measures.
It is expected to take up to five days to determine whether the antigens are highly pathogenic.
Theoretically, bird flu antigens can be found in mammals that have eaten infected birds. (Yonhap)
