The Meeting of the Government of Georgia was held on 14 February 2006.
It was noted the Meeting that the Government of Georgia is taking anti-bird flue actions in the country.
As soon as the epizootic situation in the world in connection with the spread of bird flue in 2005 complicated, the Government of Georgia allocated 500 000 Lari. With that sum, the Ministry of Agriculture purchased disinfections equipments, disinfectants, special clothes and personal protection gear. This year, 200 000 Lari has also been allocated and additional equipment and special gear will come in soon.
Right after the bird flue cases were identified in Turkey in January 2006, to prevent the virus from infiltrating into the territory of Georgia and minimize the risk of spread of the infection, the Ministry of Agriculture launched holistic measures.
The resolution of the Government of Georgia banned the import and transit of live birds and their products and eggs from the countries affected by bird flue.
In every border checkpoint of Georgia, all the incoming vehicles are disinfected for 24 hours a day.
By instruction from the Prime Minister of Georgia, bird flue fighting centers were set up in Tbilisi, Batumi, Poti, Kutaisi, Gori, Gurjaani and Marneuli. The centers are provided with vehicles, disinfection equipments and disinfectants. The centers are also equipped with a 24-hour hot line and all the incoming calls are promptly responded to. If necessary, the mobile group specialists of the centers visit reported areas to carry out special measures there. Municipal and regional veterinary inspection authorities are working in a special mode. If the infection breaks out, they can reach the point in 30-40 minutes.
Wild and migratory birds are the main source of spread of the bird flue virus. The relevant resolution of the Government of Georgia banned hunting for wild birds. Veterinary authorities have established control at bird assembly places.
Anti-bird flue efforts are being made within the conflict zones as well. The agreement on cooperation and prompt exchange of information between veterinary authorities has been reached with the de-facto governments of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. The Georgia party will gratuitously transfer them disinfection equipments, disinfectants and personal protection gear.
The experts of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia have studied the bird flu situation in Georgia. On 10 February 2006 the decision was made to purchase the necessary medical equipments and protection gear.
2000 curative doses of Tamiflu have already been purchased. The Ministry of Health will purchase respiratory systems, protective gear, etc.
Press Center of the Chancellery of the Government of Georgia