Togo: Recent bird flu outbreak is deadly H5N1

Tests performed after an outbreak of bird flu in the West African nation of Togo have confirmed the presence of the virulent H5N1 strain of the virus, state media said Monday.

The virus was detected at a poultry farm housing more than 4,500 birds in the village of Agbata outside the capital, Lome, according to the government.

The presence of the deadly strain raises special concern because it has the potential to infect humans. At least 235 people have died of bird flu worldwide since 2003, according to the World Health Organization.

However, the disease remains hard for humans to catch, with most cases linked to contact with infected birds. But scientists worry the virus could mutate to a form that spreads more easily among people.

Togo state television reported the lab tests were carried out by experts in Ghana and Italy after the outbreak was discovered last week.

The Health Ministry says "precautionary measures have been taken to contain the situation."