NEWS

Islanders start culling poultry

Worried islanders on Kastellorizo, near Turkey, yesterday started slaughtering their poultry after local authorities decided to take the matter of curbing bird flu into their own hands. Meanwhile Agriculture Minister Evangelos Bassiakos prepared for a lightning trip today to other islands in the Dodecanese to ensure that regional authorities are implementing anti-bird flu measures as laid down by the government. Bassiakos is due to visit Rhodes, Samos and Chios and is later expected in Komotini, which is situated near the Turkish land border. Local authorities on Kastellorizo said they decided to start culling their birds independently because of residents’ fears due to their proximity to Turkey, where there have been four bird flu deaths. Meanwhile, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis is due to meet regional health officials in the northeastern town of Alexandroupolis tomorrow for talks on how to prepare for a possible bird flu pandemic.

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