IRELAND: The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Irish citizens who are due to travel to Turkey in the near future not to cancel their trips as a result of the avian flu outbreak, but to take extra precautions once there.
A spokeswoman said that as the cases in Turkey did not relate to human-to-human transmission, the risk of becoming infected was low.
However, she advised anyone travelling to the country, and in particular the affected areas, to avoid contact with markets where live animals are sold, poultry farms and other places where they might come in contact with wild, domestic or caged birds.
Individuals should also liaise with their tour operator on the issue, as they will be keeping up to date with the latest news from the country.
"We have an embassy in Ankara, which is monitoring the situation," the spokeswoman said.
"Our travel advice is constantly under review, but at this stage our advice is not to cancel any holidays."
She added that, in the light of previous terrorist attacks in Turkey, the department was continuing to advise vigilance by Irish tourists travelling there.
Those planning to travel to areas where outbreaks have been reported should also seek expert medical advice before departure.
The department recommends that they check the most up-to-date advice from the Department of Health's health protection surveillance centre or the Department of Agriculture.