EU tightens control measures in Britain for bird flu

BRUSSELS, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) member states decided on Tuesday to reinforce control measures in Britain following two confirmed outbreaks of bird flu in the past weeks.

At the same time, veterinary experts from member states agreed to further ease controls for the foot-and-mouth disease in Britain.

Following a second outbreak of bird flu on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk on Monday, the veterinary experts voted to expand the protection and surveillance zones slightly to incorporate the newly affected holding.

In both the protection and surveillance zones, on-farm bio-security measures have been strengthened and the authorities are ensuring that all poultry owners are fully aware of the procedures to stop the further spread of the virus.