Final Tests Show Greek Bird Free of Bird Flu-Agency

The agency said the Agriculture Ministry announced that as a result all poultry trade restrictions on the islands of Chios and Oinousses, where the suspected case appeared, were now lifted.

"It is self-evident, that, if and when similar cases appear in the future, the exact same measures will be taken," the agency quoted the Ministry as saying.

Greece had banned the export of all live birds and their products from the area of Chios earlier in the month, when preliminary tests had showed the turkey on the islet of Oinousses was positive to the H5 avian flu strain.

News of the suspected cas? caused concern among the public which reduced poultry consumption dramatically.

Greece is on the path of migratory birds making their way to warmer southern climates this time of the year.

Neighbouring Turkey and Romania, which have confirmed bird flu cases, have culled thousands of poultry in recent weeks.