Macedonia has taken protective measures, including airports screening and a ban on live pig import, to prevent the spreading of the swine flu, news reaching here from Skopje reported on Monday.

"Passengers, particularly those arriving directly or through transit from North America and South America, will be asked by doctors about possible flu symptoms before they are allowed off the air-craft," said Jovanka Kostovska of the Commission for Infective Diseases, set up within the Ministry of Health.

Kostovska said so far no swine flu case has been reported in Macedonia, but he warned that the flu is a natural bio-terrorist and no human being is immune, and that Macedonia should be prepared for eventual arrival.

In another development, Macedonian Agriculture Minister Aco Spasenoski announced on Monday that Macedonia will ban from Tuesday live pig import and step up border control in order to prevent swine flu outbreak.

"We have been monitoring the situation and contacting the World Veterinary Organization. We shall also act in line with any possible European Commission recommendations on swine flu prevention," Spasenoski said.