Philip Tod Birds Quotations

The aim of these national surveillance programs is to provide early detection of cases of avian influenza, particularly in wild birds and poultry in the European Union.

The Commission has been informed by the European Union reference laboratory ... that the virus isolated in wild birds in Croatia is indeed the H5N1 virus,

A number of samples have to be taken from both wild and domestic birds in each member state, and the type of tests that will be done.

There was an extensive discussion on the possibility of the disease spreading into the EU via migratory birds that might pose a risk of spreading the virus. The group concluded that the immediate risk is probably remote or low.