# 2301
No real surprise here, considering that in July of 2007, the H5N1 virus was detected in the West African nation of Togo.
Last week we received reports of suspected `bird flu' deaths among poultry in Agbata outside the capital, Lome. Samples were sent to a testing lab in Italy.
Today we get confirmation that they were due to the H5N1 virus
Togo: Recent bird flu outbreak is deadly H5N1
The Associated Press
Published: September 15, 2008
LOME, Togo: Togo state television says lab tests performed after a recent outbreak of bird flu have confirmed the presence of the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus, which has the potential to infect humans.
No human cases have been detected so far in Togo, however.
State media reported Monday the lab tests were carried out by experts in Ghana and Italy after the outbreak was discovered last week among several thousand birds in Agbata outside the capital, Lome.
The Health Ministry says "precautionary measures have been taken to contain the situation."
At least 235 people have died of bird flu worldwide since 2003, according to the World Health Organization.
