DUSHANBE , January 16, Asia-Plus - Issues of strategy of combating bird flu are being discussed at a conference on bird flu that opened in Beijing on January 16, Mullojon Amirbekov , Tajikistan ’s State Veterinarian has told Asia-Plus.  

According to him, the international conference in China has brought together representatives from all CIS states, including Tajikistan , China , Turkey and other interested countries.  Mr. Amirbekov has told Asia-Plus that the conference last till January 19, and representatives from the Health Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture are representing Tajikistan at this conference. 

            This conference is staged by the World Health Organization, China ’s Government and the World Bank.  

            Meantime, world media report that an international donors’ conference in China will be held on January 17-18.   

The European Union has pledged $100 million (80m euros) to help countries deal with the global bird flu threat.  Bird flu is already on the EU''s doorstep - with four deaths among 18 cases of infection in Turkey .  Meanwhile, France says it will conduct exercises simulating an outbreak to test the country''s readiness.  French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said he would extend a ban on rearing outdoor poultry to cover more than half of France - Europe ''s biggest poultry producer.  Europe ''s second-largest poultry producer, the Netherlands , has said it will submit a request to the European Commission to vaccinate its poultry against bird flu.