Avian influenza a real and growing pandemic threat
In recognition of the recent spread of Avian influenza outside of SE Asia and the potential pandemic threat it presents to humans, yesterday (Thursday 25 th August) the European Commission convened a meeting of EU veterinary experts from all Member States to discuss what steps should be taken in order to prevent the disease spreading to the EU. As a result of the meeting The Commission has asked the Member States to step up surveillance and will make financing available in order to facilitate this effort. A number of actions were agreed, including a review of contingency plans and increased vigilance to ensure that existing measures such as import bans are fully enforced. However, a generalised ban on keeping poultry outdoors was not considered proportionate to the current risk of disease introduction through migratory birds. Markos Kyprianou, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, said: “We clearly want to do our utmost to prevent the spread of this devastating epidemic to the EU. We will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the most appropriate risk-reducing measures are in place.” The expert group discussed the current avian influenza situation in Asia, including Russia (Siberia), and agreed that there is cause for serious concern. However, there is not enough information available to determine to what extent the spread of the disease might have been caused by wild birds. There was an extensive discussion on the possibility of the disease spreading into the EU via migratory birds. Taking into account existing knowledge of the migratory routes of the species of birds that might pose a risk of spreading the virus, the group concluded that the immediate risk is probably remote or low, depending on the area of the EU. However, a number of risk-reducing actions were agreed. The Commission has also agreed to organise a command-post exercise this autumn to test communications, exchanges of information and interaction between the various authorities at EU level and the coordination and inter-operability of national response and communications plans. A conference is planned after the exercise to evaluate the lessons learned and to prepare recommendations. Questions and answers on EU action on avian influenza and flu pandemic preparedness
•Date: 26th August 2005 • Region: UK / W.Europe • Type:
Article •Topic: BC general |
