Moldova takes precautions to prevent local bird flu cases

Moldova's government is following the spread of bird flu, Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev said, meeting with ambassadors, EU, U.S., and UN officials, and members of international donor organizations Friday.

"The government is following the spread of bird flu and has taken relevant measures, particularly in the regions," Tarlev said.

No bird flu cases have been reported in Moldova, but the authorities are alarmed by the possible spread of the disease from neighboring Romania where it has been registered already.

The government set up commissions to oversee preventive efforts, and all services involved have been engaged in those efforts. The republic's agriculture minister held discussions on the matter with his counterparts from Ukraine and Romania.

Tarlev said the government would update regional and international organizations on measures being taken in Moldova to deter the pandemic and inform the donors if their aid was needed.

The ambassadors expressed willingness to provide financial aid and advise Moldova on its campaign against possible bird flu outbreak, Russian information agency report V.A.