Deadly bird flu outbreaks in EU

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 has been found in wild swans in Greece, Italy and Bulgaria. Further tests are being carried out on the H5 virus found in a wild swan in Slovenia.

The EU reference laboratory in Weybridge, UK confirmed, on 11 February 2006, that the H5 virus found in wild swans in Greece and Bulgaria is indeed the virulent H5N1 strain. On the same day, the Italian authorities informed the Commission that H5N1 had been found in swans in southern Italy. 

On 12 February, Slovenian authorities informed the Commission of a case of avian influenza H5 in a wild swan. Samples are being currently further tested in the EU laboratory in Weybridge.

Italy, Greece and Slovenia have committed to apply the interim precautionary protection measures set out in the Commission Decision adopted for Greece on 10 February. Currently, no Bulgarian poultry or poultry products can be imported into the EU, as restrictive measures are already in place. 

The avian influenza situation in affected European countries will be discussed by the Standing Committee on the Food and Chain and Animal Health on 16-17 February. 

Read more with Euractiv

EU waits for confirmation on Greek bird flu cases

The avian influenza virus H5 found in wild swans in Greece is being tested at the Community reference laboratory in Weybridge to establish whether the virus is the highly contagious strain H5N1.