HEALTH EXPERTS CALL FOR TARGETED STRATEGY, INCLUDING POULTRY VACCINATION, TO HELP CURB AVIAN FLU

HEALTH EXPERTS CALL FOR TARGETED STRATEGY, INCLUDING

POULTRY VACCINATION, TO HELP CURB AVIAN FLU

(Reissued as received.)

ROME, February 5 (FAO/OIE/WHO) -- A targeted vaccination campaign for poultry at risk of being infected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus may be required in heavily affected countries to control the further spread of the epidemic, according to global animal and human health experts gathered for emergency talks at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Issuing a series of recommendations after two days of discussions, the group of experts, including representatives from the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), said vaccinating animals could be one method along with culling and other priority measures to contain the spread of the virus.

The mass culling of flocks outside of infected sites in reaction to outbreaks might, therefore, be largely avoided and major damage to the livelihoods of rural households and national economies averted.

"We are confident that with broad international and regional collaboration in support of national efforts and using all available intervention tools, the crisis can be overcome and the risk to human health be minimized", said Joseph Domenech, Chief of FAO's Animal Health Service.

"Culling infected flocks remains the recommended response when the disease is detected", he said, adding, "Vaccination, when used together with other control measures, such as market and movement management, and good agricultural practices, offers a suitable means to support the suppression of the further spread of the virus."

Experts emphasised the importance of protecting people directly in contact with infected or suspected birds.

Experts present at the talks agreed that such targeted vaccination would help prevent animals falling ill and reduce the amount of virus present in the environment, the so-called "viral load".

Minimizing viral load will reduce the potential of avian influenza spreading to humans, if accompanied by strict control measures such as surveillance, elimination of infected birds, animal movement control, and observation of basic hygiene in animal production.

Experts agreed that the vaccination plan, using a vaccine that meets OIE's international quality standards, should be accompanied by clear monitoring and surveillance of the rapidly changing situation.

"Things are changing daily and we need a concerted and coordinated response," FAO's Domenech said, adding that veterinary and medical authorities should report cases of outbreaks of avian influenza in their country to the OIE and the WHO as soon as they are detected, and keep them informed of the evolving situation.

The experts agreed that vaccine manufacturers have some stocks of relevant vaccines available, but that they would need a few months to gear up to produce sufficient amounts of the required vaccines.

The recommendations issued by the experts included the need for substantial international financial support to fund the intensified control measures required, including personal protective equipment, and the creation of country-specific guidelines and regional coordination programmes.

"These measures will not only help deal with the immediate crisis, but will also lay the ground for capacity-building programmes for national veterinary administrations.  Priorities will be on surveillance and monitoring of animal diseases; these measures will also help to rebuild the damaged export markets in the region", said Bernard Vallat, Director-General of the OIE.

"Controlling the outbreak at its source, through the safe elimination of infected flocks supported by vaccination where required, would minimize the risk to human health", said WHO's François Meslin.

For more information, please contact:  Stephanie Holmes, FAO Information Officer, e-mail:  Stephanie.Holmes@fao.org, tel:  (+39) 06 570 56350;  Web version:  http://www.fao.org/english/newsroom/

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