The Regional Veterinary Medical Service is introducing preventive measures against the spread of avian flu in Vidin region (on the Danube). The decision was taken Tuesday at a meeting of the Regional Epizootic Commission in relation to the cases of avian flu registered in Romania.

Poultry markets will be closed at this point but will have increased veterinary medical control.

The order of the commission also stipulates that veterinary specialists be on regular duty over the weekend and owners of backyards and poultry farms in the region ensure that birds do not leave the premises.

The regional Veterinary service has taken a total of 1,402 tests from live birds and all of them have proved negative.

In another development, the Director of the Regional Veterinary Medical Service in Yambol (Southern Bulgaria) said the situation in the region is calm.

Nevertheless, preventive measures there also include increased veterinary medical control on poultry markets, periodic clinical examinations of domestic and wild fowl.

Interior Ministry authorities also control transportation of live birds and samples from dead wildfowl are taken for testing.