Ukraine sends bird flu samples to UK for tests

Ukraine today forwarded bird flu samples to a British laboratory to test for the deadly H5N1 strain, blaming turmoil in the state veterinary department for the five-day delay.

“We’ve sent them only today as it is a long process to prepare samples and besides our vet department was out of control,” said Oleksandr Horobets, spokesman for the Agricultural Ministry.

Officials on Saturday said the dead birds had tested positive for the H5 subtype of avian influenza, prompting President Viktor Yushchenko to declare a state of emergency in the affected villages.

The country’s chief veterinarian was fired yesterday after Yushchenko accused him of negligence.

Horobets said the test results were expected in 10 days.