June 6, 2006

Bird flu spreads in Afghanistan

Bird flu has been detected in the central capital Kabul and some eastern and northern provinces, according to the WHO.

The poor health facilities in the country has prompted the WHO to appeal for funds to fight bird flu there.

Bird flu was detected in at least eight provinces and the central capital about one and a half months ago.

The Afghan government has said US$1 million would be required to prevent the spread of the disease in the country. A vaccination campaign has been started in the central capital, but the ministry would require extra funds to extend the drive to other parts of the country.

The director of veterinary department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Dr Aziz Usmani said about 30,000 chickens had been culled at poultry farms near the capital but it has been temporarily halted as no new cases of the disease have emerged so far.