More resources needed to counter avian flu

Zambia has repeatedly said it lacks the technical expertise, personnel and funds to tackle a possible outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, but recent donations will help to remedy this situation. The European Union contributed $200,000, while the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) this week donated US$89,000 worth of test kits and other equipment to counter the deadly virus. Richard Chizyuka, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said a lack of resources had stalled many of the government's prevention initiatives - despite a national response plan and a budget - but the protective gear from FAO would help step up active surveillance. Zambian officials have time and again underlined a lack of capacity to handle a possible outbreak. Earlier this year, the cabinet approved a $4.8 million budget to tackle avian influenza, with the emphasis on prevention. FAO country representative in Zambia, Dong Quingsong, said the UN food agency had been prompted to intervene because the country's response, hampered by a lack of resources, had been ineffective. "The onus is on the government to source more funds and put measures in place to ensure the disease is prevented effectively." Migratory birds are believed to be the main vector in infecting domestic and commercial poultry with the H5N1 virus, putting Zambia at high risk of avian flu because it lies in the path of a major migratory bird flyway. The Lochinvar wetlands, a World Heritage site on the Kafue river floodplain between the southern city of Livingstone and the capital, Lusaka, is an important nesting site for migratory birds. In recent months five African countries have confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in poultry. The flu has claimed 52 lives since the beginning of this year, with 26 deaths recorded in Indonesia alone, according to the World Health Organisation.