Dangers of Bird Flu highlighted

Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), Kent Coipel, has spoken of the dangers of Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu.

At the opening ceremony of an Avian Influenza Tabletop Simulation Exercise, on Tuesday morning, he warned of the would-be “grave” socio-economic consequences of the virus on food and nutrition security.

“…[the virus poses] recurring and persistent threat to farmers, governments, and to the general public,” Coipel said. “Poultry production as we know it is an important contributor to the livelihoods to thousands of people in the Caribbean, and poultry meat is the most consumed meat in all the countries.”

Coipel commented that based on experiences from North America and other regions, Caribbean islands should take precaution at national and regional levels.

“Since the risk of Avian Influenza in the Caribbean region is real, advanced planning and preparation at the national and regional levels for animal health emergencies with the Avian Influenza virus are recommended, and are recognized as a core and important function of all national animal health services,” he articulated.

At the event, Chief Veterinarian Officer, Dr. Reginald Thomas, warned that the Avian Influenza virus is near Dominica and the island is putting systems in place in case the diseases surfaces.

Thomas stated that although there are no reported cases of the disease in Dominica, the island must prepare.

US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Avian Influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred.