According to the European Commission, a focus of bird flu has been detected in Greece. Though laboratory experts are still analyzing the virus samples, it may be assumed, with a high degree of certainty, that the initial results confirm the identity of the virus with the H5 pathogenic strain of bird flu. If the results of the analysis prove positive, Greece will be the first European Union country where the virus has been detected.
The Greek Veterinary Service reports that the virus was detected on the Greek island of Chios situated in the Aegean Sea, off Turkey's western coast. This region lies on the crossroads of the migration routes of birds flying to and from various regions of the world.
In order to prevent any further spread of the dangerous disease, which may lead to a pandemic, an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers will be held in Luxemburg. The ministers would discuss measures to halt the spread of the virus, as well as a temporary ban on the supply of poultry and poultry products from the regions of Greece affected by the disease.
Experts emphasize that the main threat in the spread of the disease comes from birds of passage.
The Greek Veterinary Service reports that the virus was detected on the Greek island of Chios situated in the Aegean Sea, off Turkey's western coast. This region lies on the crossroads of the migration routes of birds flying to and from various regions of the world.
In order to prevent any further spread of the dangerous disease, which may lead to a pandemic, an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers will be held in Luxemburg. The ministers would discuss measures to halt the spread of the virus, as well as a temporary ban on the supply of poultry and poultry products from the regions of Greece affected by the disease.
Experts emphasize that the main threat in the spread of the disease comes from birds of passage.
