US embassy cable - 05ZAGREB1729

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Identifier:	05ZAGREB1729
Wikileaks:	View 05ZAGREB1729 at Wikileaks.org
Origin:	Embassy Zagreb
Created:	2005-10-24 14:42:00
Classification:	UNCLASSIFIED
Tags:	TBIO PREL EAID WHO HR
Redacted:	This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.

UNCLAS ZAGREB 001729 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: TBIO, PREL, EAID, WHO, HR 
SUBJECT: H5 SUBTYPE AVIAN FLU VIRUS FOUND IN CROATIA 
 
REF: ZAGREB 1436 
 
1.  On Friday, October 21, the GOC confirmed that 
the H5 subtype of the avian influenza (AI) virus had 
been found in samples taken from dead swans in 
Slavonia, in eastern Croatia.  The samples were 
forwarded to the European Union reference laboratory 
in the UK to determine if the swans were carrying 
the H5N1 variety and results are expected on 
Wednesday, October 26.  The GOC immediately 
implemented protective measures including culling 
poultry and increasing surveillance in surrounding 
areas. 
 
2.  On Monday, October 24, Ambassador met with 
counterparts in the diplomatic community to discuss 
AI and the GOC's response.  The Dutch are providing 
the Ministry of Agriculture with technical 
veterinary expertise and hope to bring two of their 
teams from Romania to Croatia to assist with 
surveillance and data collection.  Post is in close 
contact with GOC officials and the international 
community and has formed an internal working group 
to coordinate efforts and share information. 
Details of the GOC's preparedness and current 
efforts will follow in septel. 
 
FRANK