FAO, OEI, WHO Issue Avian Influenza Warning

ROME - Jan 27/04 - SNS -- Countries need to work together to help contain the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in several areas in Asia is a threat to human health and a disaster for agricultural production, warns the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a joint statement today.

Although it has not happened yet, the so-called "bird flu" presents a risk of evolving into an efficient and dangerous human pathogen, the three agencies warned.

The possible widespread occurrence of avian flu in animals in developing countries represents a significant control challenge. FAO, OIE and WHO appealed to donors to address the global threat from avian flu and to provide funds and technical assistance to countries to help eliminate this threat.

"With SARS, we learned that only by working together can we control emerging global public health threats," said Dr. Lee Jong-wook, WHO Director-General "Now, we confront another threat to human health and we must reaffirm existing collaboration and form new ones. At the international level, WHO, FAO and OIE stand together in close working relationship to provide the necessary guidance to Member States."

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