The spokesman told Hina that those claims were "pure fabrications" which caused great damage to the reputation of Croatia and its institutions as well as to the entire Croatian economy.
"Findings of the Poultry Centre of the Croatian Veterinary Institute regarding six swans diagnosed with bird flu H5 were sent from Croatia to the laboratory of the Weybridge Institute this afternoon (Friday). The institute will receive the findings tomorrow and we can expect the results from the Weybridge institute as early as mid next week," Pavic said.
The spokesman confirmed that the institute would send the results directly to the Croatian Agriculture Ministry.
He said the ministry released all information regarding bird flu immediately, without covering anything up. Pavic said the Ministry requested from Vecernji List editors to publish the copy of the confirmation from the Weybridge Institute laboratory that the virus wasH5 N1, which they claim they have or to publish a dismissal. Otherwise the Ministry will sue them, the spokesman said.