[Mike]

in Malawi, from bridget
By MICHAEL WINES
Published: January 4, 2006

Thousands of migratory birds that dropped dead on a central highland last month were apparently the victims of a heavy rainfall, not avian influenza, according to laboratory tests.

South African officials tested samples from the dead birds at the Malawi government’s request.

Malawians had scooped up the dead birds, disregarding government warnings that the carcasses could be contaminated by bird flu.