# 806
The outbreak of H7N2 in Wales, while not as alarming as H5N1, is a cause for concern, and authorities appear to be treating it seriously.
The virus has been described as LPAI (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza) of the type H7N2. When we talk about avian influenza's, we talk in terms of Low vs. High pathogenic diseases. Low pathogenic diseases are less dangerous, but may evolve over time into a highly pathogenic disease.
At one time H5N1 was primarily a low pathogenic disease.
Tests are being performed on the couple who run the small holding where the outbreak occurred. Results are due today. Reportedly they are showing some flu symptoms.
We've seen H7N2 cross over to humans before, but it has rarely been detected. How often this really occurs is unknown, since we don't type every flu case that comes into the doctor's office, but it is assumed to be rare.
There are a number of avian influenzas that have crossed over to humans in the past decade, and it does appear to be increasing in frequency. In the Netherlands, in 2003, H7N7 infected 89 people, killing one, stemming from an outbreak in poultry. We've seen sporadic cases of H9N2 in Hong Kong, with children infected in 1999 and in 2003.
H5N1 is currently the most active of the avian influenzas, and the one we watch with the most concern. But it is certainly not the only one capable of sparking the next pandemic.
This from BBC News.
Results due from bird flu tests
Thirty birds from the smallholding have been slaughtered
Results of tests carried out on two people at a smallholding in north Wales where a case of bird flu has been confirmed are expected to become known.
A 1km restriction zone remains in place around the farm in Conwy after the "low pathogenic" H7N2 strain of bird flu was found in chickens which died there.
The couple who live at the smallholding had tests after showing flu symptoms.
Wales's chief vet, Christianne Glossop, said it was a "top priority" to find the source of the disease.
The bird flu was confirmed at the small farm at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, near Cerrigydrudion in Conwy on Thursday.
The owners bought 15 Rhode Island Red chickens two weeks ago but all have since died.
Samples were first sent for testing on 17 May, before the virus was confirmed on Thursday.
Health officials stresses the disease found was the H7N2 strain of bird flu, not the more virulent H5N1 strain of the virus.
Thirty other birds on the site were slaughtered on Thursday by four people wearing protective clothing and face masks as a precaution.
