Internet auctioneer eBay has shut down sales through it service of Tamiflu, which can help reduce the severity of avian flu, amid growing concern of a potential pandemic that could kill humans.

An eBay spokesperson told The Register that the company had pulled a handful of listings from its UK website, because the sales contravened eBay's policy over the sale of controlled substances and prescription drugs.

eBay acted as packets of Tamiflu, which comprise 10 capsules, had reached £104 and attracted 84 bids. Tamiflu is usually available through prescription only, for between £25 and £30.

News of the auction on eBay.co.uk comes as the first cases of avian flu are confirmed in Europe, in Romania and Turkey, with further cases suspected in Greece.

No case of auctions on eBay's US website have yet been confirmed, although four cases are confirmed of sales of non-controlled substances that claim to boost the effect of Tamiflu. A Google search revealed numerous cases of sites across the internet that are offering to sell Tamiflu.®