Blood samples of dead birds found in Rafah sent for testing
Photo: Reuters
Bird flu reaches Jordan Valley
Tests conducted by Agriculture Ministry confirm chicken carcasses discovered Wednesday in Moshav Bekaot in the Jordan Valley are of birds that died from bird flu; Olmert instructs authorities to offer PA assistance in preventing outbreak of virus there
Chicken carcasses discovered Wednesday in Moshav Bekaot in the Jordan Valley were of birds that died from bird flu, tests conducted by the Agriculture Ministry confirmed.
On Wednesday a closure was placed on the area, and this morning, chickens in the moshav will be culled.
The tests were conducted after the regional veterinary office received reports Wednesday of dead chickens in a farm of about 20,000 birds.
Meanwhile it was reported that foul found dead in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday were infected with bird flu. In addition, blood samples of dead birds found in Rafah have been sent for testing.
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has instructed authorities to offer the Palestinian Authority assistance in preventing the outbreak of the virus there and its spreading into Israel, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Agriculture Ministry Director-General Yossi Yishai has authorized the purchase equipment to help the PA deal with the virus. The equipment will be transferred to the Palestinians via the Erez crossing. Later on Thursday Israeli and Palestinian officials are expected to discuss the issue further.
The PA will apparently seek the advice of European Union experts to fight the virus. The EU has earmarked 10 million euros to assist Mediterranean basin countries in combating the disease, and the PA is expected to receive additional funds in the coming days.
