March 10, 2004

 

 

Japanese Authorities Move To Dispel Bird Flu Concerns

 

The Japanese authorities have taken steps in placating public concern over bird flu fears, releasing guidelines on the virus.

 

"The possibility that human beings could be infected with a bird flu virus is very low given that people are highly unlikely to touch a bird infected with the virus or inhale its droppings (after they dry up and become powder)," the guidelines said.

 

The government stressed the recent outbreak of bird flu will have no effect on food safety, saying, "There are no reports of people being infected with the virus by eating chicken meat or eggs."

 

"The government sees no need to recall chickens and eggs on the market even if the farm they came from is found infected with a bird flu virus," the guidelines said.

 

But the government said bird-to-bird infection is possible and plans to make similar guidelines on collecting chickens and eggs in an attempt to prevent the viruses from spreading among birds.

 

The government also asked people to avoid panicking over the death of a bird kept as a pet, saying, "There is no need to worry about a bird flu virus unless you see a number of birds die one after another and the cause of death is unknown."

 

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said at a news conference that the government released the guidelines amid growing concern about bird flu infection after two dead crows were found infected with bird flu in Kyoto Prefecture earlier this month.

 

Some municipalities in western and southwestern Japan are asking people not to dump eggs, chickens and pet birds due to concern about bird flu.

 

The announcement about the infection of the crows with bird flu has fueled concern about the virus because crows are widely seen in Japan, even in downtown areas.

 

Japan's first case of bird flu in 79 years hit a poultry farm in Yamaguchi Prefecture in January, and the second affected bantams kept as pets in Oita Prefecture in February.

 

More than 20 people died of bird flu in Vietnam and Thailand this winter, according to the governments of the two countries.