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FAO WARNS BIRD FLU VIRUS COULD BECOME ENDEMIC IN TURKEY

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FAO warned that the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus H5N1 could become endemic in Turkey and poses a serious risk to neighbouring countries. The virus may be spreading despite the control measures already taken, said Juan Lubroth, senior FAO animal health officer.

Far more human and animal exposure to the virus will occur if strict containment does not isolate all known and unknown locations where the bird flu virus is currently present, he added. FAO called upon neighbouring countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Iran and Syria to be on high alert, to apply surveillance and control measures and to ensure that the public is fully informed about the avian influenza risk.

FAO has sent a team of experts to Turkey to support the authorities in their bird flu control efforts.