No cases of bird flu have been registered in Europe following the confirmation that two cases have been uncovered in the Asian part of Russia, a World Health Organization (WHO) senior official said on Friday in Podgorica.

There were no confirmed cases of bird flu in humans, but there have been several cases in animals in Russia's Asia part, WHO senior official Dr. Nata Menabde was quoted as saying by the national Tanjug news agency.

The sick animals were being constantly monitored and there was not much risk of the spreading of the disease, she said.

Menabde was in Montenegro on a three-day visit to learn about the strategic development of the health service and measures for preserving and promoting the health of the population.

Also on Friday, Serbian Deputy Health Minister Nevena Karanovic said that it was highly unlikely the bird flu would spread because the infected animals in Russia have been isolated on time.

He added that the Health Ministry sub-committee for the bird flu has taken all the necessary steps to prevent the appearance of this illness in this republic.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2005)