MOSCOW, October 5, (RIA Novosti) - The bird flu has been registered in seven Russian towns, with 19 being watched for a possible outbreak, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Oversight said Wednesday.

"As of October 5, 2005 seven towns in Russia have an unfavorable bird flu situation and 19 towns are suspected [of infection]," the service said in a news release.

During the epidemic, the disease has been registered in 50 towns in six of Russia's Federation components, with 83 major cities suspected of contamination.