Avian Influenza in South East Asia WVA Information / Other stories not categorised Posted by JimEdwards on Jan 28, 2004 - 09:54 PM Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting mainly chickens, turkeys, ducks and other poultry. Outbreaks of avian influenza have been recently reported in a number of countries in South East Asia, as has been the possible transmission of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza from animals to humans. This is of great concern to World Veterinary Association (WVA) member organisations around the globe. The WVA urges that biosecurity measures are implemented to slow and prevent the spread of this disease from affected flocks, between countries and possibly to humans or other animal species. The WVA notes with serious concern that inhumane slaughter / culling practices are being used in some countries. Even in emergencies, the slaughter / culling of animals must be done in a humane manner and according to accepted standards of animal welfare. WVA urgently requests international and national disease control organisations to address and update, as matters of highest priority, international standards for: - avian influenza control and eradication methods; - the hygienic handling of poultry products as required for public health; - international trade in live poultry; - the safe disposal of slaughtered/culled animals and their products; and - the strict compliance with procedures safeguarding animal welfare. The WVA is prepared to assist and actively support all efforts aimed at the control of Avian Influenza, the prevention of the possible spread to humans and those measures directed at the sound management of animal welfare during all stages of control and eradication. Dr. H. Schneider [1] PRESIDENT: WORLD VETERINARY ASSOCIATION This article is from World Veterinary Association   http://worldvet.org/ The URL for this story is:   http://worldvet.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1523 Links in this article   [1] agrivet@mweb.com.na