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