H5N1 Avian Influenza Confirmed in Turkey

UNCLAS ANKARA 006232

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/RUS, OES/STC, EB/TPP/ATP, EB/TPP/BTA
HHS FOR WSTEIGER/PBUDASHEWITZ
ITP/MACKE/THOMAS, CMP/DLP/WETZEL
FAS PASS FSIS AND APHIS
VIENNA PASS APHIS
BRUSSELS PASS APHIS/FERNANDEZ
GENEVA PASS HEALTH ATTACHE

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: ETRD EAGR KPAO TBIO AMED TU
SUBJECT: H5N1 Avian Influenza Confirmed in Turkey

Ref: (A) Ankara 5119
(B) Ankara 6105
(C) Ankara 6138

Sensitive but unclassified. Not for Internet Distribution.


1. Summary. The Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Affairs announced that tests from the recent outbreak
confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza
in Turkey. Samples had been sent to England earlier this
week for testing. The Minister of Health made a similar
announcement confirming the results. Both Ministers sought
to assure the public that no new cases had been found and
that all necessary precautions are being taken to contain
the outbreak. In addition, the government has increased the
compensation fund for farmers. End summary.

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EU Announcement
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2. (U) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mehdi
Eker, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain of Avian
Influenza in Turkey and that it was the same strain that has
killed more than 60 people in Asia. The samples were sent
to England for testing due to the lack of testing facilities
in Turkey. Initially, Turkish officials had confirmed that
the virus was H5 type, but were unable to determine the
exact subtype until tests were concluded. Prior to the
Minister's announcement, the European Commission's Health
and Consumer Protection chief, Markos Kypriano, had made
similar statements at a press conference.

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No New Outbreaks
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3. (U) Since the outbreak was first announced on October 9
there have been no new incidents in Turkey. In addition,
there have been no reports of human deaths due to the
outbreak. The government quarantined the region around the
outbreak and has taken precautionary steps to stop any
inadvertent spread of the disease. Several thousand birds
have been culled in the region and the government is banning
the sale of all live birds in public markets. The
government is testing any unusual deaths of wild or
commercial flocks and would institute a similar quarantine
if any other outbreaks occur. The government announced that
compensation fund for farmers had been increased to about
USD 75,000 from USD 60,000.

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Poultry Consumption Down
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4. (SBU) Despite a very proactive campaign to both control
the outbreak and provide information to the public, poultry
consumption is down almost 75 percent since the outbreak.
Egg consumption is also reportedly down.


5. (SBU) According to the head of the Turkish Poultry
Producers, the EU had passed this information to the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs prior to making
their announcement. The Minister made his announcement
after reporting the test results to the parliament.

MCELDOWNEY