Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ermira Gjeci reassured consumers by telling them that citizens should not be afraid of bird flu as there are no infected chickens in the market in Albania.
She stressed that the main concern is that of losing the flock of birds. “AKU (National Food Agency) is on the ground implementing its plan. The egg contingent has been withdrawn from the market to give guarantees to the consumer. It is not about having infected chickens in the market, there are no such problems,” said Gjeci. She said 340,000 birds have died so far. Press outlets say that figure is 500,000. “The process of extermination of birds has begun. About 120,000 birds are being exterminated. Protective material base is provided. Field monitoring continues. Focus is: save the flock of birds. There is no panic for the consumer. The flu is not transmitted to humans. Protocols determine the elimination of birds,” said Gjeci.
At the border inspection points there are controls based on the contingency plan, as well as on the fulfillment of mobilization for monitoring and control to ensure food safety for products placed in the market, the statement concluded. / Argumentum.al
