April 27, 2005

Farm techniques in Asia need overhaul to avert bird flu pandemic

Poultry breeding in Asia must undergo a radical change if a global bird flu pandemic is to be avoided, UN health and agricultural experts said at the conclusion of a three-day conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Shigeru Omi, the World Health Organisation's Western Pacific director said while vaccines and sanitary environments are important in keeping the disease in check, what is more urgent is to change the widespread practice of letting fowl mix and roam freely.

UN officials said several hundred million dollars will be needed to improve poultry breeding practices, compensate farmers for slaughtered chicken and strengthen health services for improved virus detection. Moreover, persuading farmers to change age-old practices would take effort and education.

Countries at risk are expected to raise fund as well but response so far has been poor, given the enormous threat of the problem.