Fresh outbreak of bird flu

A total of 2,600 birds have died following a fresh outbreak of avian influenza in the northern province of Inner Mongolia, state media reported. Tests on the dead birds, which were found in a breeding facility in the village of Tengjiaying, close to the provincial capital Hohhot, confirmed the presence of the lethal H5N1 strain. No details were given as to when the birds were found, but the report sought to reassure the public that the outbreak was contained. Russian officials have also reported an outbreak in a region south of Moscow.