Over 400,000 Domestic Fowl Destroyed In Turkey Over Bird Flu
Bernama, 12 Jan 2006

ANKARA, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Almost 400,000 domestic birds have been destroyed in Turkey over the past few days within the framework of fight against bird flu in the country, where the deadly H5N1 flu strain has infected 15 people, including two children who have died.

The Russia Itar-Tass news agency reported Wednesday, quoting a communique of the Ministry for Agriculture issued, said preventive measures are taken in 16 out of 81 provinces of the country.

The virus has hit vast territories, including regions bordering on Armenia, Georgia, Iran and Iraq, as well as capital Ankara and the biggest city of Turkey Istanbul.

However, commenting on the situation with bird flu on Tuesday, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said it should not be dramatized.

He said the crisis committees of the health and agriculture ministries were working round the clock, taking all necessary measures.

Quarantine has been imposed in some regions of the country. Official Turkish sources don't confirm that the virus has been registered in health resorts on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

Meanwhile, media reports said fowl had been infected in Kusadasi and Izmir in the country's southwest, where traditional holiday sites are situated.
-- BERNAMA