Uganda is at risk of being infected with the deadly bird flu from migratory birds from Romania and Turkey, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned.

A statement from the UN agency was copied to Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and Ministry of Health, saying that the detection of bird flu in Romania and Turkey, following outbreaks in Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, confirms FAO's recent warning that the virus is spreading along the pathway of migratory birds outside southeastern Asia.

"One of our major concerns is now the potential spread of avian influenza through migratory birds to northern and eastern Africa," the statement was quoted by local press as saying on Friday.

It added that "there is serious risk that this scenario may become a reality."

Dr. Sam Zaramba, the director of medical services of Uganda, confirmed the bird flu virus threat but said the country is mobilizing epidemic preparedness.

Source: Xinhua