September 8, 2005

WHO calls on Sri Lanka to prepare action plan against bird flu

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Sri Lanka to prepare an action plan against bird flu, although no cases were reported in the country so far. This was because infected migratory birds that flew down to South and Southeast Asia each September posed a significant risk to the country. 

Bird flu had already hit nearby Asian countries including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, and had recently spread to Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

The WHO has warned countries that the virus was highly unstable and to be alert against the possibility of a pandemic strain of bird flu virus.

With a pandemic action plan in place, the WHO hoped the country concerned would be able to respond quickly should an outbreak occur.

At the moment, Sri Lanka is controlling poultry imports and does not import live birds from any country. Also, there are strict fumigation requirements at the point of unloading for poultry feed.

Sri Lanka's government said a plan was already in place on the veterinary side should an outbreak occur, and a team would be sent to investigate and take appropriate action.

However, the WHO hoped the country would also have a nationwide plan soon against bird flu, to allow early detection and quick response in the event of an outbreak.