FIGHTING BIRD FLU COSTLY (Meat News) UNITED STATES: A United Nations report says fighting avian influenza will cost at least $1.5 billion more over the next two to three years. A United Nations report released this week says progress is being made in the fight against the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu. [News Source]

S. Korea to triple amount of chickens to be slaughtered to stem bird flu. South Korea's Agriculture Ministry said Thursday that authorities would cull another 609,000 chickens to try and stem the spread of bird flu, more than triple the previous amount designated for slaughter. [News Source]

FWP testing waterfowl for avian flu in Gibson Park (Great Falls Tribune) A state wildlife team will check wild waterfowl at Gibson Park Pond in Great Falls through December for avian influenza viruses. Testing at Gibson Park Pond began in November and will continue through December. [News Source]