The detection of a form of bird flu in Russia and Kazakhstan has led to the deaths or destruction of almost 130,000 birds and increases the probability that humans could be exposed to the deadly strain, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Russia and Kazakhstan began detecting the disease in birds in July, and confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain in August.

No human cases of bird flu have been detected in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Beginning in late July 2005, official reports from government authorities indicated that the H5N1 virus had expanded its geographical range. Both Russia and Kazakhstan have reported outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry in late July, and confirmed H5N1 as the causative agent in early August. Deaths in migratory birds, infected with the virus, have also been reported. Outbreaks in both countries have been attributed to contact between domestic birds and wild waterfowl via shared water sources.
Since the initial reports, the Russian outbreak, which has remained confined to Siberia, has spread progressively westward to affect six regions.