Cablegate: H5 Subtype Avian Flu Virus Found in Croatia

Monday, 24 October 2005, 2:42 pm
Cable: Wikileaks
Ref: 05ZAGREB1729

null
UNCLAS ZAGREB 01729

SIPDIS
P 241442Z OCT 05

FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5249
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS ZAGREB 001729

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO PREL EAID WHO HR
SUBJECT: H5 SUBTYPE AVIAN FLU VIRUS FOUND IN CROATIA

REF: ZAGREB 1436

1. On Friday, October 21, the GOC confirmed that
the H5 subtype of the avian influenza (AI) virus had
been found in samples taken from dead swans in
Slavonia, in eastern Croatia. The samples were
forwarded to the European Union reference laboratory
in the UK to determine if the swans were carrying
the H5N1 variety and results are expected on
Wednesday, October 26. The GOC immediately
implemented protective measures including culling
poultry and increasing surveillance in surrounding
areas.

2. On Monday, October 24, Ambassador met with
counterparts in the diplomatic community to discuss
AI and the GOC's response. The Dutch are providing
the Ministry of Agriculture with technical
veterinary expertise and hope to bring two of their
teams from Romania to Croatia to assist with
surveillance and data collection. Post is in close
contact with GOC officials and the international
community and has formed an internal working group
to coordinate efforts and share information.
Details of the GOC's preparedness and current
efforts will follow in septel.

FRANK

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