Poultry to be enumerated in Estonia

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In the framework of preparations for possible bird flu epidemic, poultry enumeration has been started in Estonia. 160 veterinary surgeons, supported by local authorities, have to complete this work till March 14, REGNUM correspondent was informed at Estonia’s Veterinary-Foodstuffs Department. Villagers are advised to keep poultry indoors. Estonian single poultry producer Tallegg took measures against hen’s infection: all vent-holes are latticed, employees are provided with working clothes and chemicals and instruments for disinfection, hygienic measures for transport are implemented. Plaster casts of birds of prey are installed on roofs, to scare away migrant birds.

It should be reminded, that at the end of February 2006, Crisis commission of Estonian government decided to inform population about bird flu. Estonia’s Ministry of Social Affaires published all available information at its health protection web site. During next week, special phone 1676 hot-line will be arranged, to receive available information about bird flu. Cooperation measures between different Estonian departments were discussed. Ecological organizations disputed against several directions for measures against bird flu, if it appears in Estonia, in particular, they objected to bird’s slaughtering with barbaric methods, as it has been doing in many countries of world. 11 burial places for slaughtered poultry are assigned. Owners will be compensated for slaughtered broilers (up to 30 kroon per piece), ducks (up to 75 kroon), gooses (more than 200 kroon).

It should be reminded, that Estonian hospitals are ready to treat persons, infected by bird flu. At present, five of them can treat patients with all known infections.