The Hindu : New Delhi News : “Education important to combat virus”

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Monday, Dec 03, 2007
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“Education important to combat virus”

Staff Reporter

South Asia still the region most seriously affected by avian influenza H5NI virus

NEW DELHI: “Education is more important than regulation to combat the avian flu virus across the world. Also, prevention is a better and cheaper option that we should try and opt for,” said Joseph Annelli, Director of the Interagency Co-ordination, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Emergency Management of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here on Sunday.

Speaking at the Avian and Human Pandemic Influenza workshop for journalists at the American Centre, Dr. Annelli said South Asia remained the region most seriously affected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5NI virus and has suffered the most human infections. As of mid-November 2007, of the 335 human cases confirmed globally by World Health Organisation, 272 were in Asia, and of 206 fatal cases, 179 were in the region.

Important aspects

“Surveillance, capability to diagnose the disease and then respond to it in a trained manner is important. Also important is the co-operative efforts with States and industry to keep the flu at bay, education is vital and anti-smuggling laws and trade restrictions are required to effectively contained the flu,” said Dr. Annelli.

Spelling out the three principles of the bio-security guide for poultry and bird owners, Dr. Annelli added: ``Look for sign of the flu in birds, when detected report them to the concerned authorities immediately and practice backyard bio-security.”

Surveillance

Suzanne Westman, Medical Officer, Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response, WHO, South East Asia Regional Office, also emphasised the fact that a robust surveillance system, early detection and accurate identification of the circulating virus strain were important requirements for ensuring that there is no serious outbreak of the flu.

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