Passage Four
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- Fears that the deadly strain of bird flu would move through Africa and Europe in flocks of wild birds have so far proven unfounded, but the danger is not entirely over, a Dutch environmental group said Thursday.
Experts from Wetlands International tested some 5,000 wild birds in countries including Tunisia, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Senegal, Malawi and Kenya but didn't find the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus, which can be fatal in humans, said Ward Hagemeijer, who studies the disease for the organization.
Scientists had feared that the spread of the virus would pick up speed with the birds' winter migration to Africa and the Middle East, and their spring return to Europe.
"Theoretically, it is still possible," Hagemeijer said, referring to an outbreak of the disease in Europe. But he said the risks now appear low.
Scientists say they do not know why bird flu does not appear to be spreading in the wild as widely and quickly as feared.
While bird flu experts say are relieved that they have not found the deadly strain in many migrating birds, the data they have gathered is limited and they are not ready to declare victory against H5N1 in wild fowl.
In the Netherlands, which sits on a major bird migration path, more than 13,000 wild birds have been tested since February. None showed signs of H5N1. Earlier this month, the government attributed its success to measures to contain the spread of the virus, and good luck.
H5N1 has been spreading from Asia to Africa and Europe since 2003. At least 113 people have died from the strain, which led to the slaughter of more than 200 million animals to prevent what health officials had warned could be a lethal pandemic.
1. “Highly pathogenic” (Line2, Para2) can probably mean_________.
A. highly fatal illness
B. highly passionate
C. highly immunity
D. highly tested
2. Which factor contributed to bird flu spreading?
A. unhealthy food
B. seasonal migration
C. living standard
D. the way of consumption
3. Scientists don’t know clearly ______.
A. why bird flu spreading is not as quick and wide as supposed
B. the death toll of bird flu
C. the cause of bird flu
D. how to decide the sign of H5N1
4. The government of Netherlands owes its success to _______.
A. restraining the spread of bird flu
B. good fortune
C. undergone massive wild birds testing
D. All of above
5.What can be the best title for this passage?
A. Bird Flue Is Far From Under Control
B. Pessimistic about Bird Flue
C. Bird Flue and Its Future
D. H5N1 Virus
参考答案： 1. A 2.B 3.A 4.D 5.A
