A Tunisian veterinarian expert on Friday urges European countries to set up bird flu monitoring centers in Tunisia and Morocco, which are on the routes of the migratory birds.

The establishment of such monitoring centers by Spain, France, Italy, Germany and others in the two countries would benefit all countries concerned, as both Tunisia and Morocco are major transit routes for seasonal migration of birds travelling to and from Europe, said Abd Al-Majeed Dabar.

Birds know no national boundaries and they will not change migratory routes, he said, adding that monitoring centers would help spot cases of bird flu at early stages.

Dabar said the possibility remains for bird flu cases to be found in Tunisia although none had been reported in the country until now.

He said chances of a spring outbreak was slim and more emphasis should be put on prevention in autumn, he added.

More than 500,000 birds come and stay in 46 migratory birds reserves every year in Tunisia. Close monitoring has been set up over these areas.

Source: Xinhua