Bird flu

The Portuguese government has asked the public to remain alert against any possible bird flu outbreak in the country in coming months. Portugal is on the Spring migration routes of birds which can carry the deadly virus, Health Minister Antonio Correia de Campos said.

The Health Ministry will work with the Education Ministry to teach children about bird flu, he said. School students have been warned not to touch dead birds, and advised to wash their hands immediately if they do so inadvertently.

Portugal's National Veterinary Research Laboratory said it had examined 1,121 birds found dead in the country and none had been found infected with bird flu. Several European countries have registered cases of bird deaths from the H5N1 virus which can spread to humans. (Xinhuanet)

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