The Agricultural Development and Foods Ministry in an announcement on Saturday regarding bird flu (avian influenza), said that "it was confirmed today by the relevant EU Reference Laboratory of London of the presence of the H5N1 virus in the three samples which were sent the day before yesterday of the dead swans which migrated to our country from our northern and eastern borders."

    The ministry said that "all the obligatory veterinary and precautionary health measures have already been taken in every region where a swan was found to be positive, in accordance with the already known to the relevant services, of the Greek and European Union legislation and no issue arises for additional measures to be taken."

    The announcement said "there is no cause for concern or panic."

    The ministry announcement further noted:"The foreseen and implemented measures by the relevant veterinary services of the prefectural local governments, in cooperation with the relevant EU authorities are the same, either in a case of H5 or H5N1, which concern, as in the present case, wild birds. Therefore, the issue does not arise for additional measures to be taken."