August 19, 2005

Germany might gear up to prevent bird flu

Germany's government said it might take special measures to prevent bird flu from entering the country, following the recent outbreaks in Russia.

Russia had earlier reported that the deadly H5N1 strain, which could fatally infect humans, had spread to the Ural Mountains region of Chelyabinsk.

Some special measures considered by the German government included temporary restrictions on keeping poultry in open fields to prevent contact with migratory birds, and stepping up border checks to prevent entry of foreign poultry. 

Meanwhile, Germany's Robert Koch Institute said the country should greatly increase stocks of human flu vaccines in preparation against an epidemic, if it broke out.