AVIAN FLU, MIDDLE EAST TOO?
by David Silverman
Photos by David Silverman/Getty Images
A migrating Kingfisher feigns death after it was captured for ringing and measurement at a migratory birds' reserve October 19, 2005 in the Hula Valley in northern Israel.
The general feeling here is that Israel will be hit, probably sooner rather than later, with avian flu. There are no plans for a mass inoculation of domestic birds, rather farmers will be required to keep as many indoors as possible, and wherever the flu is found, they will slaughter and burn the flock.
But until it happens, everyone is just being as careful as possible. I could not go from one farm to another, without at least a complete change of clothes (especially shoes), and preferably a day apart. I wanted to get to a chicken incubator but need 4 days break since my last visit to any kind of poultry farm.
Birds aside, it's business as usual here. The peace process remains .... a process. Right now there are many steps backwards and few forwards. We can only wait and see what tomorrow brings.
c David Silverman
Staff Photographer
Getty Images
Israeli veterinarian Shmulik Landau inspects a wounded peregrine falcon. The migratory bird, which was brought to a clinic with a damaged wing, was tested for the flu virus before being treated for its injuries.
A pair of Eurasian Cranes takes off at sunrise.
Photos by David Silverman/Getty Images
email David Silverman
Getty Images
Photos by David Silverman/Getty Images
A migrating Kingfisher feigns death after it was captured for ringing and measurement at a migratory birds' reserve October 19, 2005 in the Hula Valley in northern Israel.
The general feeling here is that Israel will be hit, probably sooner rather than later, with avian flu. There are no plans for a mass inoculation of domestic birds, rather farmers will be required to keep as many indoors as possible, and wherever the flu is found, they will slaughter and burn the flock.
But until it happens, everyone is just being as careful as possible. I could not go from one farm to another, without at least a complete change of clothes (especially shoes), and preferably a day apart. I wanted to get to a chicken incubator but need 4 days break since my last visit to any kind of poultry farm.
Birds aside, it's business as usual here. The peace process remains .... a process. Right now there are many steps backwards and few forwards. We can only wait and see what tomorrow brings.
c David Silverman
Staff Photographer
Getty Images
Israeli veterinarian Shmulik Landau inspects a wounded peregrine falcon. The migratory bird, which was brought to a clinic with a damaged wing, was tested for the flu virus before being treated for its injuries.
A pair of Eurasian Cranes takes off at sunrise.
Photos by David Silverman/Getty Images
email David Silverman
Getty Images
posted by AMY at 8:07 PM
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