Bird flu hits Hungary

Avian flu has reached Hungary. 3 dead wild swans found in Bács-Kiskun country and other two found this monday (feb 20). The prime minister said that ther was no reason to worry as avion  flu was an epidemic threatening. Last week 11 dead swans were collected and were sent for virology tests. The results are expected to be anounced this week.

Lajos Tekes , the directeur of National Animal Health Institute said it was likelthat the birds were infected by the H5N1 strain of the virus. Gyurcsány said that the movement of pultry will be banned in a 3 km protection zone. Currently phase three of the plan is in operation signifying that there have been no cases in eu of the virus being transfered from birds to humans, and no cases of human to human transfers at all.

Croatia meanwhile, has banned pultry imports from Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Serbian authoritiesare disinfecting all vehicles arriving from Hungary.

The prime minister also added that a vaccine was aviable to protect people in close.

 By Váczi Endre