Bird Flu : Health, Safety & Contingency Guidelines

Asia, Africa and Europe have in the recent years witnessed outbreaks of Avian Influenza resulting in the deaths and culling of over 200 million poultry resulting in huge economic losses besides adversely affecting farmers, households, the poultry industry, tourism and trade relations countries and nations. Many countries in the South-East Asia region are on the flight paths of migrating birds, some of which could be carrying Avian Influenza virus. In view of the epidemiological situation, all countries in the region are vulnerable to the influenza pandemic. Threat of world influenza pandemic has never been imminent. To combat this grave threat, it is essential for countries to be well prepared. Experts predict it is only a matter of time before a bird flu strain will mutate and become transmissible between humans. Once that happens, a pandemic like the Spanish flu that resulted in over 50 million deaths, overwhelming hospital and medical services could be inevitable. This book includes a detailed glossary of terms and a comprehensive index to clarify all the technical and general concepts about this deadly virus. WHO guidelines are provided in detail. The prevention and preparedness of activities that facilitate the response and recovery during and after influenza pandemic are important aspects that are included in this book.