Plea for countries to unite to eliminate avian flu

AORN Journal,  March, 2004  

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A joint statement issued by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that avian flu could evolve into a dangerous human pathogen, according to a Jan 27, 2004, news release from WHO. The Longer the virus circulates among humans and farm animals, the greater the risk that it could develop into a global health threat.

The highly pathogenic avian flu, also known as bird flu, has emerged in several Asian countries. Farmers in affected areas must kill infected and exposed animals and require compensation for their losses, which will represent a huge cost. In addition, they need protective clothing and vaccines. The three organizations are appealing to donors to provide funds and technical assistance to help the affected countries eliminate the virus.

Unprecedented Spread of Avian Influenza Requires Broad Collaboration (news release, Geneva, Rome, Paris: World Health Organization, Jan 27, 2004) http://www.who.int /mediacentre/reLeases/2004/pr7/en/ (accessed 2 Feb 2004).

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