Contingency plan?

National action plan for epidemics submitted to EU in 2005. Major hospitals have developed a rapid reaction plan. The $1bn security measures for the 2004 Olympics included biological threats and left Greece comparatively well prepared. Following several confirmed H5N1 cases in wild birds, the government has ordered domestic birds to be kept indoors, restricted movement of poultry and imposed a ban on hunting wild birds.

Vaccine research?

No independent research

Anti-virals stocks?

After bird flu was found on the Aegean Sea island of Oinouses, queues formed at pharmacists and a national shortage of ordinary flu vaccine followed. Some 200,000 doses of anti-viral drug Tamiflu were due to arrive by the spring. The government has said it will have sufficient anti-virals available if needed.

Other information?

Precautions imposed following outbreaks in neighbouring Turkey continue. Border checks have been stepped up and lorries from Turkey are being disinfected. People crossing the borders are also being warned of the risks.

Information correct as of 21 February 2006