Consequences of Avian Influenza Pandemic Threat

Fejfarová M.

Abstract
Since December 2004 new human cases of infection by avian influenza have reappeared in South-East Asia. The virus of H5N1 originally resides in poultry but became transmittable to humans causing death in more than 50% of cases. During the early 2005 avian influenza spread quickly in poultry flocks through out Vietnam and into some parts of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Later this summer poultry infection moved North and Westwards to the very doorstep of Europe. WHO experts regard the latest developments as warning sings of an upcoming global pandemic. An effective vaccine is in the process of testing but will not be available for public use at least for some months; furthermore the evolution of the virus is yet unpredictable. The world capacity for production of oseltamivir, so far the only effective treatment for humans infected by H5N1, is insufficient if the pandemics breaks out. In any case a substantial restructuring of poultry production, distribution, processing and marketing as well as education strategy is necessary in South-East Asia to lessen the chance of a pandemic outbreak

Key words:
Avian influenza/bird flu; H5N1; pandemics; South-East Asia; animal health; human health; poultry

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