avian influenza found in cyprus
The European Commission has confirmed that the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected in birds in northern Cyprus. This would make the first case of this type found on the island.
An immediate freeze on the transfer of live animals or animal products across the island’s Green Line border or to the EU, has been ordered by the commission.
A mass cull (slaughter and disposal), of poultry has taken place near Famagusta, eastern Cyprus, where the infected birds are believed to have originated. So far authorities have slaughtered about 1,500 birds in the area.
The World Health Organization has not confirmed the positive test results, which were carried out at a laboratory in Weybridge, UK.
There have been no human cases of avian influenza reported in the outbreak.