Following the outbreak of a very serious epidemic of avian influenza, caused by a highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus strain, in in many countries in south-eastern Asia starting in December 2003, the Commission adopted several protection measures in relation to avian influenza, taking into account that this disease also poses a significant risk to public health.
Pärast kõrge patogeensusega viirustüve H5N1 põhjustatud üliohtliku lindude gripi epideemia puhkemist paljudes Kagu-Aasia riikides 2003. aasta detsembris võttis komisjon vastu mitmed kaitsemeetmed lindude gripi vastu, võttes arvesse, et see haigus kujutab märkimisväärset ohtu ka inimeste tervisele.