A new dimension has been added to the global epidemic after it has been detected Chilean turkeys.

The health ministry in Chile ordered quarantine for two turkey farms and it was then confirmed that the birds were infected with the same virus as humans.

"This represents no risk for the public as the virus was most likely transmitted from a human to birds," said Chilean Health Ministry official Carlos Pavletic.

The laboratory results ruled out any H5N1 infection or bird flu in turkeys thereby making them safe for consumption.

There are some encouraging signs that this particular outbreak remains mild. Egg production and water consumption among the birds dropped — prompting the company to take action — but the birds aren't terribly sick, let alone dying in large numbers, Dr. Juan Lubroth, the head of infectious diseases for FAO in Rome, said.

Chile exports most of its bird meat including turkey to the European Union and Mexico.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization declared H1N1 a full pandemic in June, and the virus has now spread to about 180 countries, causing at least 1,462 laboratory-confirmed deaths. The WHO says the pandemic is unstoppable.

Chile is limiting the contact of the infected turkeys with humans to ensure maximum safety. Most countries who had initially banned the import of meat have now lifted these bans after the world animal health authorities said that there was no evidence animals played a role in the spread of the virus.