European Union authorities have confirmed the presence of the deadly H5N1 strain of avian flu in a sample taken from poultry from northern Cyprus, the European Commission said on Sunday, according to Reuters. It was the latest sign that the virus, found mostly in Asia, was spreading west to infect birds in Europe and humans on the continent's doorstep. Turkey has reported 21 human cases of H5N1, including four deaths. "The European Commission and the Turkish authorities have been informed ... of the high pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in a sample taken from the area not under the effective control of the government of Cyprus," the Commission said in a statement. The EU's executive said it had banned the import of live animals or animal products from the Turkish Cypriot enclave into the EU, and added that it would be sending two experts to the area to investigate. "The EU would be ready to assist with surveillance if needed. In accordance with a European Commission decision, the Cypriot authorities have taken all necessary measures including placing poultry indoors," it added.
