Reports of bird flu in Romania and Turkey - statement by Defra's Chief Veterinary Officer
Defra's Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds said:
"The Romanian authorities have told us today that initial tests for avian influenza virus are negative. This must be confirmed by further tests which will take several days. Defra is in very close contact with the European Commission and Romanian veterinary services. A team of experts from the EU is going to Romania tomorrow to support the authorities there.
"In Turkey, there have been unofficial reports of bird flu. We have made contact with the Turkish authorities, via the European Commission, and are awaiting test results.
"Whenever there is suspicion of disease reported in new countries, the UK and the Commission need to be ready to take swift action to reduce any chance of spread of disease. Our contingency plan is in place, we are operating a high state of readiness and monitoring the situation closely."
Further information
See the avian influenza pages in our animal health section.
Page published: 09 October 2005