September 26, 2005

Supplies of bird-flu drug run low in New Zealand

With public fears of global flu pandemic at an all time high, fresh supplies of the anti-bird flu drug Tamiflu ran out just two days of arriving in New Zealand

Since late 2003, bird flu has killed more than 50 people across Asia, with health experts fearing the worst-a global pandemic caused by a mutation in the H5N1 virus. Roche, the Swiss company that manufactures the anti-viral drug Tamiflu, is unable to keep up with demand.

Tamiflu has been seen as the world's best hope against any epidemic, with the World Health Organisation recommending that governments stockpile supplies for essential workers. It is not yet known how effective the drug really is.

In New Zealand, pandemic planning has reached fever pitch with the Health Ministry, Customs officials, civil defence staff and local agencies working on a detailed plan of action in the event of a worldwide outbreak. The Government has also committed NZ$26 million to buying 850,000 doses of anti-viral Tamiflu.