Veterinary experts meet in Paris to discuss fight against bird flu

INTERNATIONAL veterinary experts gathered in Paris to discuss the fight against bird flu as the lethal H5N1 strain made further advances in Africa, was confirmed in Bosnia, and French authorities started a mass vaccination programme of ducks and geese.

Chief veterinary officers from more than 50 countries in Europe as well as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Syria and Iran started a two-day meeting at the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) aimed at co-ordinating their response to the worsening epidemic.

"They will be hearing country-by-country situation reports, analysing the way the virus is spreading and recommending coordinated measures for detection and control," said OIE spokeswoman Maria Zampaglione.