Some EU nations want bird flu vaccinations

France and the Netherlands are reportedly asking the European Union for permission to vaccinate some wild birds against the avian flu.

Europe's farm ministers are attempting to reach agreement on the benefits of preventative vaccinations for birds, The Financial Times reported Tuesday. But some opponents of the plan fear vaccinations might mask the disease in flocks, allowing some birds to continue spreading the virus.

EU health ministers are to meet Friday in Vienna to more closely coordinate their response to the spread of bird flu.

The viral disease that some experts fear might spread to humans and develop into a pandemic has, so far, been found in seven EU states: Greece, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovenia. Spain was awaiting test results Tuesday on some dead birds.

In Eastern Europe, the disease was confirmed Monday in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Malaysia and Hungary are the latest nations to report the existence of bird flu in their areas.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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