Cypriots act on bird flu

CYPRIOT authorities have reacted quickly to minimise any threat to tourism following confirmation of a case of avian flu in the north of the island.

European Commission officials announced the discovery of the disease this week among poultry in northern Cyprus, which is occupied by Turkey.

The Greek Cypriot government immediately closed the border.

Cyprus Tourist Office UK director Orestis Rossides said: “The EC inspected the site where a chicken was identified with avian flu and culled all the chickens in the area. We are taking it seriously. But all the poultry sheds in Cyprus are covered and the level of hygiene is very high.

“There has been full co-operation with the Turkish Cypriot authorities on the issue. We are aware it could damage tourism.”

Rossides added: “We’ve spoken to the major tour operators and the Federation of Tour Operators and taken its advice. We are working with the World Health Organisation and the EC, as well as the Turkish Cypriot authorities.”

Amid continuing concern that a human strain of the disease could develop, Virgin Atlantic has bought drugs to issue to flight staff in the event of a pandemic.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, Virgin Group boss Sir Richard Branson speculated that a human-to-human strain of bird flu would ground up to 70% of the world’s aircraft.

A Virgin spokeswoman confirmed the airline has bought a quantity of the antiviral drug Tamiflu as a precaution.

However, British Airways has not invested in the drug and has no plans to do so.