Government vets have started rounding up wild ducks from public places as part of the effort to reduce the risk of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus reaching Malta.

The operation is being carried out at night when the ducks are asleep. Samples will be taken from them for testing.

The government said yesterday a considerable number of wild ducks have been picked up from different localities so far.
They will be kept temporarily inside a closed tent that was purposely set up at Fort Delimara.

This exercise is being carried out under the surveillance of Heritage Malta which will ensure that no damage is done to the fortress, the government said. The site where the ducks are being kept is monitored constantly.

In other measures to prevent avian flu, all vehicles arriving on ships from Italy are being disinfected and hunting at sea has been suspended.

The Veterinary Division, made up of 10 teams of two members each, is working round the clock to check out every report of dead birds.
The division had also stepped up its bio-security inspections of poultry farms to ensure they are following the rules.

The Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Environment yesterday reiterated that all measures were being taken to ensure that the avian flu virus does not reach Malta and therefore there is no cause for alarm.

Questions about the situation can be made on freephone 8007 2211 during office hours. In the case of suspect birds there is a 24-hour line, 7903 3044.