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bulgaria closely watches migratory birds after rom Xinhua, China - 25 minutes ago


http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-10/09/content_3595610.htm

Bulgaria closely watches migratory birds after Romania's bird flu cases

www.chinaview.cn 2005-10-09 00:27:50

SOFIA, Oct. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior Bulgarian health official said on Saturday that the regional epizootic commissions throughout the country have already taken measures against the suspected bird flu cases in neighboring Romania.

The regional veterinary authorities have been asked to closely watch the condition of migratory birds, said Dr. Angel Kunchev, head of the Department for Contagious Diseases Control of the Health Ministry.

He said if the cases of bird flu are confirmed by the European Union and the World Health Organization, Bulgaria will carry out new measures to deal with the avian epidemic.

A team of experts will leave for regions of Russe, Silistra, Dobrich, Varna and Burgas to establish what further steps should be adopted, according to the national veterinary service.

Romania reported on Friday that three ducks were killed by the flu strain in the eastern Danube delta. The virus samples have been sent to London for test.

The bird flu virus has already caused losses of 10 billion to 15 billion US dollars to the global poultry industry, with the heaviest losses in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Enditem