Bird flu worries: Specialist says there is always a risk of bird flu outbreak (video)
An infectious disease which has a history of at least one hundred years can turn into a pandemic, Sergey Stepanyan, President of Armenia's Union of Poultry Producers, said on Tuesday speaking about the possible spread of bird flu (avian influenza or avian flu). This Influenza type A virus has more than 140 subtypes. Two cases of bird flu have been found in neighboring Turkey. The first major outbreak in the country was in 2004 when it claimed lives of people. “Fortunately, in Armenia we do not have any cases. But there is always a risk, as Turkey is very close to us,” said Mr Stepanyan. Today, Armenia does not import poultry and eggs from Turkey and all measures are being taken to prevent the virus from penetrating into Armenia. The president of the Union of Poultry Producers advises citizens to avoid uses half-done meat and eggs. “We shall also ask the government to assist us in taking preventive measures,” Mr Stepanyan said in conclusion.
