200 reports an hour of dead birds

As many as 200 calls an hour are being received on an emergency line that allows people to report dead birds or suspicions of bird flu, a spokesman for the Environment Ministry said.

Most of the calls are being made to report the death of a single bird or pigeon.

The inundation of calls was resulting in resources being overstretched, the spokesman said, adding that this would affect the response time in case of a proper emergency.

He urged people to report only those cases they deemed "extraordinary or serious".

"The public is urged to use discretion in reporting cases in connection with the avian influenza virus. While it is important that the public remains cautious, there is absolutely no reason for excessive alarm."

Bird flu is at the forefront of public consciousness especially after the virus was traced in Europe.

Malta is still "virus-free" and several precautions are being taken to ensure that this status is safeguarded.

Last Friday, the authorities carried out a simulation exercise to measure the response time in case of a bird flu outbreak. Just two days later the response teams had a real case of suspected bird flu on their hands when two dead birds were found on a ship at the Freeport. However, tests on the birds proved negative.

Although the avian influenza virus can be carried by all birds, the most likely to carry and spread it are waterfowl which are naturally more resistant to it. Birds like pigeons and chickens are less resistant, and therefore die more quickly.

However, no chances are being taken and the Health Ministry is liasing with the Food and Veterinary Division to determine what action to take regarding the feral pigeon population at St Luke's Hospital.

"The extermination of pigeons flying around the hospital is ongoing, but we are awaiting advice from the division and the unit to determine whether we should take more drastic measures," Health Minister Louis Deguara said.

The pigeon problem was recently raised by a doctor, Ryan Farrugia, in Friday's Talking Point in The Times. His overall message was "cull the pigeons. Now."

However, Director General Ray Busuttil yesterday said the risk seemed to be minimal. Despite this, they would be taking all the precautions necessary.

Dr Deguara and Dr Busuttil were yesterday addressing a press conference following the EU health ministers' emergency meeting in the UK on Friday.

The meeting dealt with three issues: the avian flu, with the World Health Organisation stressing that the risk for Europe was very low; seasonal flu, which was being dealt with in the usual way; and the risk of pandemic flu.

Dr Deguara reiterated that Malta had increased its order of the vaccine against a possible pandemic to 500,000 doses from 350,000, to cover people who may need to be given two injections.

Malta had actually wanted to double its order, however the company responsible said it could only accept an order of 500,000 doses from Malta. It was still too early to establish who would require two doses of the vaccine, Dr Deguara said.

Both stressed that there was no need to panic or stop eating chicken.

"Chicken poses no danger once cooked," they insisted.

This was reiterated by the Environment Ministry spokesman. He also stressed that the risk of humans being exposed to the avian influenza virus are quite remote. Unless humans come into direct contact with the infected beak, nostrils or faeces, they are not considered at risk.

"All precautions are in place to ensure that Malta is well prepared to face emergencies," he said.