Preventive measures come into effect as bird flu detected in Czech Republic

Preventive measures are in effect following the first incidence of bird flu in the Czech Republic. A dead swan found in the Vltava River near the town of Hluboka nad Vltavou in the south of the country, was infected with the H5 virus. Further tests are now being conducted to ascertain whether it was the deadly H5N1 variety, which is dangerous to humans. In line with EU regulations the authorities have imposed strict safety measures inside a 10 kilometrer high risk zone, including a ban on outdoor breeding and transport of birds and poultry products. Further measures will follow if the result of the tests turns out to be positive.