Iraqi health minister declares bird flu alert

Iraqi authorities have declared a bird flu alert in the Maysan province and called for security forces to prevent people carrying birds in and out of the southern region.

Dr Ibtisam Aziz Ali, spokeswoman of a government committee dealing with the bird flu crisis, said Health Minister Abdel Mutalib Mohammed has declared the alert after birds suspected of possibly having avian influenza were discovered in at least five parts of Maysan province, which borders Iran.