Cyprus tries to calm fears over bird flu

Cyprus Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Efthymios Efthymiou has tried to reassure Cypriots following cases of bird flu that have killed three children in neighbouring Turkey, saying that there is no cause for concern and that the Cypriot competent authorities are taking all necessary measures.

The European Commission confirmed on Saturday that the bird flu strain in Turkey is the H5N1 virus, which can also kill humans who have been in contact with birds.

The World Health Organisation says that there have been no cases of transmission among humans–a development that would spark fears of a flu pandemic.

Two more cases of bird flu were announced over the weekend in the same far-eastern Turkish province that borders Armenia where the first three children died.

Concerns have been raised that diseased chickens could find their way to Cyprus from the occupied northern part of the island.

The Cypriot Agriculture Ministry has been taking all necessary measures, and “people should not panic,” said Efthymiou.

Efthymiou said that the Cypriot services have been in contact with veterinary doctors in the occupied areas to coordinate the efforts against bird flu.

However, he said that there is no reason to adjourn the hunting season in Cyprus since no bird flu incident has appeared in Cyprus, adding that the hunters could assist the government services by informing them about any strange bird deaths.