BIRD FLU WHO KNEW

REVEALING THE GLOBAL THREAT OF BIRD FLU

A unique and revealing insight into the global threat posed by the current epidemic of H5N1 avian influenza was provided to more than 150 guests at the 2007 Snowdon Lecture held recently at CSIRO Livestock Industries’ Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong.

The Lecture, Avian Influenza Epizooties: Where do we stand in 2007, was presented by Dr Bernard Vallat, Director General of the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

According to Dr Vallat the current epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza is a major global concern. One of the main constraints to controlling the outbreaks is the weakness of national veterinary services in many developing countries.

Dr Vallat discussed the OIE’s assessment that capacity building and improvement of veterinary services and infrastructures is essential in more than 100 countries, not only for the current avian influenza crisis but for all future emerging and re-emerging diseases linked with globalisation and climatic changes.

“The current highly pathogenic H5N1 strain with its rapid spread over continents and its pandemic potential has led to a global influenza crisis,” Dr Vallat said. “Although the majority of countries infected in 2006 succeeded in eradicating the disease, the situation in some countries remains very worrisome.”

More info on the CSIRO website