Serbia decided on Tuesday to step up the control of passengers, baggage and vehicles from Turkey at all border crossings to prevent the spread of bird flu into the Balkan republic.

Representatives of the Agriculture Ministry's Veterinary Department, the Health Ministry and the Customs Administration agreed at a meeting to tighten the control in response to escalating bird flu threat in Turkey, a government statement said.

In Turkey, more than a dozen people have been infected with the deadly virus, and dozens more were waiting test results.

Meanwhile, in Serbia still in effect is an existing decree that bans all poultry products, including meat and eggs, from being brought into the republic. Such products will be seized from travelers and destroyed by the corresponding organs.

"The decree ordering the introduction of measures for preventing the bringing and spread of avian influenza (bird flu) in Serbia remains in force," the statement said.

Serbian Agriculture Minister Ivana Dulic-Markovic has said that there are no direct dangers in Serbia, since there are no infected animals or humans, but the possibility always remains.

Source: Xinhua