Russia reports first case of H5N8 avian influenza transmitted from poultry to humans.

Officials said seven workers at a poultry factory in the south of the country were infected after an outbreak in December.

"All seven ... are fine," said Anna Popova, head of Russia's consumer health watchdog.

She said adequate measures were quickly taken to stop the spread of the infection.

There were no signs of human transmission, Ms Popova said, adding that the case was reported to the World Health Organization.

She praised the "important scientific discovery"   slotxo  by Russia's Vektor laboratory, which isolated the strain's genetic material from infected workers.

“The discovery of these mutations when viruses have not yet received the ability to be passed from person to person gives us all the world the time to prepare for potential mutations and respond adequately and in a timely manner. "Mrs. Popova said.

She said Russian scientists could now start developing test systems.

Other strains of bird flu occasionally infect humans and lead to death - but this is the first report of the H5N8 strain to be forwarded.