August 24, 2005

EU prepares itself against bird flu

Even while the EC are trying to dismiss dangers of the pathogenic H5N1 virus being spread by migratory birds, EU countries are taking no chances by preparing themselves to prevent the virus from entering their grounds.

Experts have been predicting that ducks and other birds will carry the virus into southern Europe as they flee the autumn chill. It is estimated that about 850,000 migratory birds reach Britain late autumn each year.

EU states are now monitoring poultry health closely and stocking vaccines in the event of an epidemic.

Dutch poultry farmers have also complied with a government order to move all their free-range birds indoors, even as Germany follows suit by ordering the same for their free-range birds to prevent contact with birds arriving from the east next month onwards.

Meanwhile, Italy has announced stricter import controls, heightened surveillance and increased vaccine production.

Representatives from the EU-25 will meet in Brussels on Aug 25 to discuss contingency plans to fight the possible bird flu threat.