UPDATE ON AVIAN INFLUENZA IN GREECE; ALL TESTS FOR

UNCLAS ATHENS 002845 SIPDIS PASS TO CELESTE CONNORS EUR/PGI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC TBIO GR AVIANFLU SUBJECT: UPDATE ON AVIAN INFLUENZA IN GREECE; ALL TESTS FOR H5N1 NEGATIVE FOLLOWING MESSAGE BEING RESENT UNDER NEW MRN AND MCNS. MESSAGE WAS SENT AS ATHENS 2793 ON 31 OCT 2005. REF: ATHENS 002748 ¶1. (U) The GoG Ministry of Agriculture announced on 29 October that the virological test results for the previously reported case of Avian Influenza on the Island of Oiniousses were negative in the data supplied by both the EU laboratory in Weybridge U.K. and the Thessaloniki Virological Laboratory. ¶2. (U) Earlier serological tests from both laboratories were negative as well. Virological test results were delayed due to the long incubation period needed for the samples (13 total days). ¶3. (U) The economic effects of the Ministry of Agriculture's 17 October announcement of a positive test for Avian Influenza have had a significant impact on the domestic poultry market. The Greek poultry industry has reported a 70% decrease in demand for poultry products over the past week; a market which represents over 500 million Euro annually. Post will report on the effect of Avian Influenza on the domestic poultry market septel. ¶4. (U) Post will continue stay in contact with GoG contacts and local press for any activity or reports of potential Avian Influenza activity. RIES