Romanian authorities take measures to contain and prevent
the spread of Avian Influenza cases

On May 22, Romanian authorities confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus, which causes Avian Influenza (AI), in poultry in several locations in central and eastern Romania , as well as in limited areas of Bucharest . This is also the first time H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry farms in Romania since October 2005.

Authorities have quarantined the affected towns and villages. They are culling flocks of poultry and investigating the extent to which the virus may have spread to other flocks or be present in poultry products already on the market, and destroying meat in the markets that can be identified as coming from the affected farms. Antiviral medication was distributed to local population, which is currently being monitored by the Ministry of Health. Romanian authorities are also screening and spraying vehicles passing through affected areas.

To date, no cases of bird to human transmission have occurred in Romania . Starting with last October, Romania registered other 52 isolated outbreaks of avian influenza in counties from southern Romania and the Delta of the Danube . All these previous outbreaks were contained without further spreading of the disease.

American and Romanian citizens are advised to avoid any areas where the Romanian government has detected avian influenza and consult the local media for updated information on affected areas. Proper food handling and hygiene measures protect against H5N1 infection:

•  Avoid contact with live poultry. Should you come in contact with live birds, follow proper hand hygiene (washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or, when water is unavailable, with liquid hand sanitizers).

•  Use separate surfaces and utensils for uncooked poultry products. Do not handle cooked foods or foods eaten raw such as vegetables and fruit with items used on uncooked poultry.

•  Clean all eggs in soapy water or in a mild bleach solution. Cook eggs thoroughly before eating.

•  Cook all poultry products thoroughly (to 70 degrees Celsius).

•  Thoroughly clean all surfaces that have come in contact with uncooked poultry products.

•  Wash your hands thoroughly and often when preparing food.

For further information on Avian Influenza in Romania , please contact the Romanian Embassy in Washington DC at the following phone numbers:

Tel: 202 232 36 94,
202 332 48 29

202 232 6634

Fax: 202 232 4748

E-mail: office@roembus.org