In the begining.........thanks John
BUCHAREST (AFP) - Romania began to administer anti-flu vaccines to thousands of people amid fears that the avian flu detected the day before may be the deadly strain that has killed over 60 in southeast Asia.
Health authorities said that based on preliminary tests they feared that three ducks in the southeastern Tulcea region had been infected with the H5N1 strain transmissible to humans.
The head of Romania's National Animal Health Institute, Stefan Nicolae, told AFP Saturday that migratory birds from Russia had carried the H5N1 virus into the country.
But final confirmation of Europe's first contamination by the deadly version of the virus was being awaited from a lab in Britain.
"These first three cases of avian flu will however be analysed by a
European Union-approved British laboratory. We expect the results in the coming weeks," Nicolae said.
The H5N1 avian flu virus has mainly been found in 10 southeast Asian countries and has so far infected 112 people, of whom around 60 have died, according to the
World Health Organization.
The deadly strain has been carried by migratory birds as far north and west as Siberian regions of Russia, but has yet to cause any cases in humans there.
Health Minister Eugen Nicolaescu said that no human cases had been detected so far in Romania.
Local authorities said Saturday they had enforced quarantine measures across the southeastern Tulcea region and that the village of Ceamurlia de Jos, where the three infected ducks had been found, had been sealed off.
The ducks are thought to have been infected by migrating birds bringing the virus from Russia.
The area contains a large nature reserve, and is a key stopping point for migratory birds.
Some 500 chickens suspected of having contacted the virus were destroyed Saturday, and authorities asked local farmers to report any birds showing signs of the disease, promising compensation for any losses.
More than 700 residents of the delta were given general anti-flu vaccines on Saturday and some 3,000 people will have received the jabs by Sunday, he said.
"Romania does not have a specific vaccine for avian flu. However this anti-flu vaccine is important as it helps to enhance immunity," health ministry spokeswoman Oana Grigore told AFP.
"The risk of a disaster is remote if the population is vaccinated against influenza," Nicolaescu told news media.
A free of charge nationwide flu vaccination campaign began a week ago and some 500,000 doses have been stockpiled, according to the ministry.
"In all we need nearly 1.5 million doses. So we will be making an international appeal for donations in the next few days," Nicolaescu said, adding that Romania also planned to stock up on anti-viral drug Tamiflu.
The minister said he would ask the WHO for logistical support and a "sharing of expertise" on the disease.
"We want to know what the exact symptoms of the disease are and what the best treatment is," Nicolaescu said.
Bucharest also announced Saturday that border controls between Romania and its eastern neighbour Moldova had been stepped up, with all meat products in luggage being confiscated.
Romania has already suspended poultry imports from 15 countries.