FAO: Poor Need Help Fighting Avian Flu

BANGKOK - Jan 30/04 - SNS -- Mass cullings of poultry is the only way to eradicate avian influenza in affected regions, notes the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

"Mass cullings in affected areas are currently considered as the most effective way of stamping out the highly contagious virus that has so far hit 10 countries in Asia," said Hans Wagner, senior animal production and health officer.

"We are, however, concerned that mass cullings are not taking place at a speed we consider absolutely necessary to contain the virus H5N1 in the region. Compensation is often a limiting factor. As long as small farmers and commercial producers, especially in poorer countries, do not receive an adequate financial incentive for killing their chickens, they will probably not apply suggested emergency measures," he said.

"Many of these small poultry producers are dependent on selling their chickens and eggs on local markets to earn a daily income. The fear of losing their animals without some kind of compensation is a real threat to them, which governments and the international community urgently need to address," Wagner said.

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