After a benign stem was found in Colombia, the Venezuelan government took strict measures to prevent a bird flu outbreak, considering that many Asian and European countries have been affected by the disease.
Health Minister Francisco Armada said that Venezuela is free of avian influenza, adding that surveillance has been improved to detect any case in animals or humans.
In statements to reporters, Armada said that both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Health Ministry have taken measures to prevent a bird flu outbreak.
He added that a multidisciplinary team was set up in February 2004 to establish mechanisms to test birds, both poultry and migratory birds, which have died in unusual circumstances.
Betzaida Viáfara, the director of the Autonomous Service of Agricultural Health, pointed out borders will continue to be closed to poultry imports from Colombia.
She said that the measure will be in force until that South American country is free of any suspected cases of avian influenza.
By: Prensa-Latina
