Europe - Bird flu in Serbia suspected in domestic poultry

Published: March 20, 2006

Source : DTT Net

Serbia has reported a first suspected case of bird flu at domestic birds, following initial analysis made at one dead rooster on Wednesday. Serbian veterinary authorities told reporters that as so far virus (Avian Influenza) H5N1 has been found at 11 wild birds in Northwest of the country and lately the virus is suspected to have killed the rooster, whose samples are sent immediately to EU reference laboratory for Avian Influenza in Weybridge, UK. Dejan Krnjajic said that authorities fear of the outbreak of the virus at domestic poultry as villagers are not well equipped to keep the poultry indoor during the day. Serbia’s authorities have reported the presence of bird flu H5N1 first at dead swans found two weeks ago in north-west areas of the republic. Authorities are applying precautionary measures in Velicki Backi canal near Sombor and Bajina Basta municipalities were the swans are found on 2 March and 4 March respectively. Four countries in the Western Balkans are affected by the bird flu virus. Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and lately Albania are affected, with Albania also in chicken in south of the country near the border with Greece.

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