The Novi Sad-based Gradjanski List daily on Wednesday quoted the head of a society for the protection of wild fowl, who accused competent authorities of refusing to admit that bird flu has appeared in Serbia for fear of losing profit from bird hunting and smuggling.
"As soon as we receive information that bird flu has appeared in Serbia, the public will be the first to know about it, and there is no need for panic," Dulic Markovic said, adding that she was exchanging information with Croatian Agriculture Minister Petar Cobankovic on the bird flu virus.
"Since it has been confirmed that the virus found in Croatia can infect humans, it has been agreed that Serbia should keep in force all envisaged measures," the minister said, adding that this referred to the ban on the import of live birds, poultry and poultry products from Croatia and the obligatory disinfection of vehicles entering Serbia.