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Bird Flu Scares Europe into Action

A European Union panel has called for a 6.5-mile quarantine and surveillance zone around suspected or confirmed outbreaks of bird flu. Countries from Liechtenstein to Romania have ordered poultry indoors or quarantined villages to stem the spread of the disease. So far, there have been no confirmed cases that H5N1 has mutated into a virus capable of being passed directly between humans. Experts fear such a development could lead to a global pandemic.

European authorities are pushing measures to strengthen defenses against the deadly form of avian influenza and prevent a large outbreak when migratory birds begin traveling north next month. According to the World Health Organization, the H5N1 strain of avian flu has killed 91 people since 2003, with most victims infected directly by sick birds.

The measures come as German and Slovenian officials confirm their first cases of bird flu. Agriculture Minister Horst Seehofer told the German parliament in Berlin, "We are dealing with a dangerous animal epidemic that could also be potentially harmful to people. Protection of our people is our first priority." Officials say citizens are safe as long as they do not touch sick or dead birds.