Bird Flu May be Endemic in Asia

ROME - Feb 1/05 - SNS -- Two international agencies believe the new wave of Avian Influenza outbreaks in Viet Nam and Thailand clearly shows that the avian virus remains endemic in Asia and that affected countries need to do more to keep it under control.

In a joint statement, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Animal Health Organization (OIE) said, unfortunately, recent experience shows it may be impossible to eradicate the virus soon.

"The disease will be present for several years in the countries that experienced outbreaks during 2004", the two agencies said.

"Avian Influenza is an ongoing emergency disease that spreads across borders. It has serious implications for the public and animal health sector in the affected countries," FAO/OIE said.

"The international community has to realize that some poor countries in Asia living with the bird flu virus must receive more support to intensify precautionary measures and to contain the risks associated with the disease," the two agencies said.

Control at source

The immediate challenge is to control Avian Influenza at source in the infected countries and stop the possible spread of the virus to other regions. "The battle against bird flu can only be won if more efforts and resources are directed to containment of the virus in animals in rural areas," FAO/OIE said.

Water birds, particularly ducks, are considered as a reservoir of infection. The chances for spillover from ducks inhabiting the vast wetlands to poultry production units in villages or on commercial farms need to be significantly decreased. Strict biosecurity measures need to be applied throughout the poultry production chain, from farms and smallholdings to distribution channels, markets and retailers.

In order to contain the bird flu epidemic, infected countries such as Viet Nam and Indonesia need the support of the international community to strengthen the veterinary infrastructure and implement effective control strategies, based on better biosecurity, modernized industry practices and, where appropriate, vaccination, FAO/OIE said.

Since February 2004, donors have provided around $18 million for emergency activities and capacity building, but much more resources are urgently needed.

FAO/OIE warned that the tsunami disaster may worsen the bird flu situation in Asia due to the large-scale movement of poultry. FAO is sending an expert mission to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and The Maldives this week to assess the loss to the livestock sector and future rehabilitation needs.