It's important to clarify that the avian influenza virus is not new to wild birds.

The evidence we have observed strongly indicates that these healthy birds were not infected with the same virus that is currently present in Asia.

Panic is not justified. Avian influenza in Europe continues to be an animal problem confined to wild birds. As long as we can keep the poultry sector protected, there is no danger for humans.

When they think of pigeons they think of something wild.

This virus is deadly to some birds, but not all birds, so some birds can carry it and appear healthy. What do people need to know, number one, is there's no reason for panic.

There were 284 deaths from West Nile virus last year, (but) 30,000 deaths from pneumonia and influenza, and those are diseases that we can immunize against, ... So this is still a quite rare condition and not something that people should be overly concerned about.