The Turkish Farm Minister reported the CNN that first case of bird flu has been reported in Turkey. The first case of bird flu in Europe has been reported from farm in Balikesir province near the Aegean Sea in Western Turkey. Following the news of bird flu all farm animals and birds are being slaughtered in order to prevent the spread of the disease and possible transmission to humans. Though, wildlife and health experts maintain that indiscriminate culling of wild migratory bird populations would be ineffective in preventing the spread of avian flu, slaughtering of animals continue.
The farm is located near a natural park known for its rich birdlife. Reports say that the infection should have spread from migratory birds which would have reached turkey. The Danube delta contains Europe's largest wetlands and is a major migratory area for wild birds coming from Russia, Scandinavia, Poland and Germany. The birds fly to warmer areas in North Africa including the Nile delta for winter. If laboratory tests prove that the deaths are caused by H5N1 strains of the virus, then this will be first case of bird flu in Europe, which could send shock waves through out Europe and round the world. As world wide fear is concerned over the possible mutation of the existing strains which can create a pandemic killing million of humans.Quarantines were imposed on the two affected Romanian villages and five others which have had suspicious bird deaths in recent days. No livestock may be taken from the Danube delta to market.
Due to spread of bird flu to Romania, there are wide spread fear that the disease could spread to Bulgaria. So, the borders and the region is in full alert to detect any possible bird flu out break.
Source: CNN news
