Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen stressed here on Thursday that Finland must be prepared for the Avian influenza and possible influenza pandemic.

    On Thursday, the Finnish Government was informed of the current situation and the ministries´ plans and key measures taken in case of an outbreak of a pandemic. Experts on the subject told the government, Avian influenza could enter Finland with the migratory birds that will return to Finland in the spring.

    To get prepared for the Avian influenza, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has compiled a national Avian influenza contingency plan. Veterinary officials will be given detailed directions on how to act when an Avian influenza outbreak is suspected in the country. The contingency plan includes a management plan on the part of veterinary treatment.

    Besides, in cooperation with the meeting of the heads of preparedness of the different ministries in Finland, the ministry is preparing a comprehensive Avian influenza preparedness plan which will ready by Feb. 15.

    The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is also preparing a comprehensive preparedness plan in case of a human influenza pandemic.

    To exercise these plans, preparedness rehearsals will be organized in Finland on March 9 for Avian influenza and on April 20.