NIGERIA: UN WARNS OF DISASTER

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   Bird Flu: FAO warns of regional disaster

Accra, Feb. 22, GNA - The deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to 

spread in poultry in Nigeria and could cause a regional disaster despite 

strong control efforts taken by the Nigerian authorities, the UN Food and 

Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said on Wednesday.

"There is ample evidence that the Nigerian bird flu situation is difficult 

and worrisome," said Joseph Domenech, FAO's Chief Veterinary Officer.

"The movement and trade of poultry have strongly contributed to the 

further spread of the virus. The government has taken the right measures 

such as culling in outbreak areas and bio-security controls, but the 

authorities are facing immense difficulties to enforce controls," Mr 

Domenech said in a statement released in Accra by the FAO. "Considering 

the possible widespread entrenchment of the disease in poultry, FAO is 

advising the government to prepare for a targeted vaccination campaign. 

Culling and the application of bio-security measures alone may not stop 

the spread of the virus," he added. Vaccination campaigns will require the 

mobilization of several thousand private and public Nigerian veterinarians 

and will need a strong commitment from the national and regional 

authorities and the support of the international donor community.

 http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.ph p?ID=99817

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Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: NIGERIA: UN WARNS OF DISASTER Posted: February 22 2006 at 11:49am
	Bird Flu: FAO warns of regional disaster Accra, Feb. 22, GNA - The deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to spread in poultry in Nigeria and could cause a regional disaster despite strong control efforts taken by the Nigerian authorities, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said on Wednesday. "There is ample evidence that the Nigerian bird flu situation is difficult and worrisome," said Joseph Domenech, FAO's Chief Veterinary Officer. "The movement and trade of poultry have strongly contributed to the further spread of the virus. The government has taken the right measures such as culling in outbreak areas and bio-security controls, but the authorities are facing immense difficulties to enforce controls," Mr Domenech said in a statement released in Accra by the FAO. "Considering the possible widespread entrenchment of the disease in poultry, FAO is advising the government to prepare for a targeted vaccination campaign. Culling and the application of bio-security measures alone may not stop the spread of the virus," he added. Vaccination campaigns will require the mobilization of several thousand private and public Nigerian veterinarians and will need a strong commitment from the national and regional authorities and the support of the international donor community. http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.ph p?ID=99817