Press Releases

Embassy Press Statement

U.S. Team on Avian Influenza Arrives in Turkey 

Ankara, January 17, 2006. 

A team of US Government influenza experts began work today in Ankara to assess the avian flu situation and to make recommendations on what the US can do to support Turkey’s efforts to deal with avian flu and to prevent it from spreading. 

The US team includes experts in animal and human health surveillance, laboratory capacity, and public health communications from the Department of Agriculture, the Agency for International Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of State.  The delegation will be meeting with Turkish officials and representatives of international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, who are working with Turkey on the issue of avian influenza.  Members of the team also plan to travel to regions of Turkey affected by the outbreak to see firsthand the efforts that are underway.  This effort reflects the importance attached by the United States to collaborative work with others on avian influenza, and to supporting our longtime Turkish allies on a serious, global problem.