Contingency plan?

National bird-flu action plan drawn up in 2001. Mass bird cull taking place in affected regions and international experts sent to find out how quickly virus is spreading. Several human cases reported, four fatal. TV broadcasts, a telephone hotline and leaflets used to boost public awareness of the disease. Imports of birds and poultry products from Greece, Iran and Romania banned.

Vaccine research?

No vaccine being developed in Turkey, which imports up to 300,000 doses of ordinary flu vaccine a year.

Anti-virals stocks?

The Turkish health ministry was said to have 15,000 courses of Tamiflu anti-viral medication, with another 100,000 on order, as of January.

Other information?

Many people keep a few chickens in their yards, making it virtually impossible to police hygiene standards. Russia has advised citizens not to travel to Turkey, and Iran closed one of the crossings on its border with Turkey. Greece has imposed border checks and disinfection of lorries crossing from Turkey.

Information correct as of 21 February 2006