Revealing The Global Threat Of Bird Flu
Pastor Dale Morgan
Revealing The Global Threat Of Bird Flu*
Dr Bernard Vallat also discussed the OIE's recommendations to eradicate
at the animal source and implement a number of principles including
early detection, rapid confirmation of suspects, rapid and transparent
notification and the use of vaccination when appropriate.
Geelong, Australia (SPX) Jul 24, 2007
The Lecture, Avian Influenza Epizooties: Where do we stand in 2007, was
presented by Dr Bernard Vallat, Director General of the Paris-based
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). According to Dr Vallat the
current epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza is a major global
concern. One of the main constraints to controlling the outbreaks is the
weakness of national veterinary services in many developing countries.
Dr Vallat discussed the OIE's assessment that capacity building and
improvement of veterinary services and infrastructures is essential in
more than 100 countries, not only for the current avian influenza crisis
but for all future emerging and re-emerging diseases linked with
globalisation and climatic changes.
"The current highly pathogenic H5N1 strain with its rapid spread over
continents and its pandemic potential has led to a global influenza
crisis," Dr Vallat said. "Although the majority of countries infected in
2006 succeeded in eradicating the disease, the situation in some
countries remains very worrisome."
Dr Vallat also discussed the OIE's recommendations to eradicate at the
animal source and implement a number of principles including early
detection, rapid confirmation of suspects, rapid and transparent
notification and the use of vaccination when appropriate.
"We also recommend rapid response involving increase in biosecurity,
containment, disinfections and culling of infected animals," he said.
AAHL Director, Dr Martyn Jeggo said AAHL was honoured to have Dr Vallat
speak on the evening.
"We had a great turnout this year and I think this was mainly due to the
calibre of Bernard Vallat," Dr Jeggo said. "As Director General of the
World Organisation for Animal Health, Dr Vallat has a unique insight
into the current global situation with regards to avian influenza. His
perceptions of the risks it poses to both the poultry industry and to
humans were informed and revealing. The lecture offered a great
opportunity to learn more about the threats posed by this current epidemic."
AAHL maintains Australia's capacity for rapid and accurate diagnosis of
avian influenza in Australian poultry and birds as well as maintaining a
laboratory testing surge capacity. AAHL is also internationally
recognised as an OIE regional reference laboratory for highly pathogenic
avian influenza.
The Snowdon Lecture is held every one to two years in honour of Dr Bill
Snowdon, the foundation chief of the CSIRO's Australian Animal Health
Laboratory (AAHL).