# 1702
Sometimes we get intriguing news reports, with almost no useful information in them. This is one of those times.
According to this report, the latest strain of the bird flu virus detected in Thailand last month showed `minor mutations', none of which were regarded as particularly harmful to humans or birds.
The type of mutations are, of course, not given.
Influenza viruses, we know, mutate rapidly. They pick up bits and pieces of genetic material from their hosts, and can swap material with other flu strains.
Sometimes the result is a new, even more virulent virus, but most of the time these mutations are `dead ends', rendering the virus less viable.
Last month the WHO published information on 10 clades, or lineages, of the H5N1 virus now in circulation around the world. As newer clades evolve, they tend to displace and eventually replace older clades. It may be that Thailand is just seeing one of these newer clades moving in.
Or perhaps they are seeing the birth of another strain or variant.
We simply can't tell based on this article. Hopefully we'll get more detail in the coming days.
Feb 22, 2008
Thailand detects minor mutation in bird flu virus
BANGKOK - OUTBREAKS of bird flu in Thailand last month were caused by a strain of the virus that had slightly mutated from earlier cases but did not pose a greater health risk, officials said on Friday.
The deadly H5N1 virus was detected among chickens last month in the provinces of Pichit and Nakorn Sawan.
After studies, scientists found that the virus had undergone minute changes but appeared to pose no greater threat to humans than earlier cases of bird flu, said Sakchai Sriboonsue, director general of the livestock department.
'According to our research team, the virus's genes have gradually changed from those of the H5N1 strain found in previous outbreaks. But there is little change in the harm it can cause to animals or humans,' Sakchai told a press conference.
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