By IANS
Rome : The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has said avian influenza remains a global threat to health and economy and calls for close monitoring and strong control efforts, as 15 countries report their poultry stocks have been infected.
Over the past two months, Bangladesh, Benin, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Myanmar, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Vietnam have confirmed outbreak of the H5N1 virus in domestic poultry, news agency WAM reported.
“Globally, much progress has been achieved in keeping the H5N1 avian influenza virus under control. We are better prepared today to deal with the disease than we were three years ago,” said FAO’s Chief Veterinary Officer Joseph Domenech.
He urged close monitoring of the situation and cautioned that despite vigorous efforts, widespread infection has persisted in parts of Asia, Africa and Europe.
“It could still trigger a human influenza pandemic,” the FAO official warned.
“Surveillance and immediate control interventions, biosecurity, proper vaccination and culling and the strengthening of veterinary services are key elements for successful H5N1 avian influenza control campaigns,” Domenech said.