Bird flu confirmed in northern Cyprus

Chickens running free in the south?

The European Commission and the Turkish Authorities have been informed by the Community Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza at Weybridge of the high pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in a sample taken form the area not under the effective control of the government of Cyprus (northern Cyprus).

No live animals or animal products, including all poultry products and feathers, may be transferred across the Green Line that separates the Turkish Cypriot north from the Greek Cypriot government-controlled area, nor to the European Union.

The European Commission is sending two experts from the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Unit to northern Cyprus to investigate the epidemiology of the disease on the ground.

The European Commission has announced that it would be ready to assist with surveillance if needed.

Chickens running free in the south?

In accordance with a European Commission decision, the Cypriot authorities have taken all necessary measures including placing poultry indoors.

However, the Financial Mirror saw pictures on Friday of a chicken running free in the front garden of a house close to the presidential palace.