# 512
Just for the record, there is no H5N1 in Iran.
At least according to officials who are denying reports of an outbreak in the city of Amol, in Northern Iran.
No case of bird flu detected in Iranian northern city: official
Tehran, Feb 27, IRNA
No case of bird flu has been detected in the city of Amol in northern Mazandaran province, said Minister of Health Kamran Baqeri Lankarani on Monday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a local meeting, Lankarani denied recent reports the deadly bird flu H5N1 virus had invaded the city.
"No human or bird casualty from the bird flu virus has been reported in the city," Lankarani stressed.
Although neighboring countries of Iran such as Turkey, Pakistan and Iraq were hit by the H5N1 virus, "Iran remains free of bird flu," Lankarani said.
He expressed appreciation for efforts of Iranian officials, particularly those of the country's veterinary organization, to prevent an outbreak of the virus in the country.
Citing such efforts, he said special medical teams have been stationed in border areas and local border markets following announced outbreaks in neighboring countries have been closed.
He said that public information programs to inform people of means to avoid infection and spread of the virus have been conducted.
I know I'm comforted by this denial, as I'm sure all of you are, too.
