BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) – European Union veterinary experts agreed to new measures yesterday aimed at preventing the deadly bird flu virus strain H5N1 from entering the 25-nation bloc.

The new measures, agreed to after two days of emergency talks, “focus on strengthening biosecurity measures on farms and introducing early detection systems in high risk areas,” like wetlands frequented by wild birds, said a statement issued by the EU.

Scientists believe wild birds are to blame for bringing the virus from Asia to Romania and Turkey.

The experts, drawn from across the 25-nation bloc, said “appropriate measures” should be taken “to prevent contact between wild and domestic species as far as it is practicable to do so.”

The precautionary measures adopted or reinforced include monitoring and controls of wild migratory birds and checks at borders to ensure no banned poultry products from Romania or Turkey enter the EU.

The experts also called on poultry farmers to increase checks of their birds’ health, ensuring they report quickly any deaths or illnesses at their farms.