bird

Two suspected bird flu deaths reported in Nigeria, first in sub-Saharan Africa – UN

1 February 2007
The United Nations health agency is helping the government of Nigeria monitor the situation following two suspected fatal bird flu cases in Africa’s most populous country, only the second possible incidence of the H5N1 virus in humans in the sub-Saharan region.

UN agency urges vigilance as new outbreaks of bird flu are reported

23 January 2007
Despite fewer bird flu outbreaks in the first weeks of this year versus 2006, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today strongly advised countries to remain on high alert and cooperate with international organizations as the deadly virus continues to be destructive for farmers.

Bird flu mutation in Egypt has not increased transmissibility between humans, UN says

19 January 2007
Despite two cases of genetic mutation in bird flu in Egypt that moderately reduced the effectiveness of oseltamivir, the most strongly recommended drug, the United Nations health agency is not changing its recommendation because the level of resistance is not yet well established and the virus has not become more easily transmissible between humans.

UN-backed body ‘disappointed’ by European action on wild bird trade

12 January 2007
An indefinite European Union (EU) ban on wild bird imports, adopted to prevent the spread of bird flu to humans, risks creating black markets by ending a legal and tightly managed trade and undermining poor African communities who depend on it, according to a United Nations-backed body dealing with trade in endangered species.

UN bird flu experts arrive in South Korea to assess risk following outbreaks in poultry

19 December 2006
A team of bird flu experts from a joint United Nations crisis centre set up to deal with the emergency arrived today in South Korea to assess regional risks and protective measures following three recent outbreaks of the disease among domestic poultry in rural areas south of the capital Seoul.

International donors pledge $475 million to fight bird flu at UN-backed conference

8 December 2006
The International donor community today pledged $475 million to fight bird flu after a senior United Nations official warned them that the virus, with its possible mutation into a deadly human pandemic, remains a potent threat around the world.

Bird flu remains potent threat with possibility of human pandemic, UN agency warns

6 December 2006
The bird flu virus, with its possible mutation into a deadly human pandemic, remains a potent threat around the world, with greater transparency and sharing of information critical to meet the challenge, and Africa emerging as a top priority for resources and technical aid, according to the latest United Nations update released today.
David Nabarro

Up to $1.5 billion needed to counter bird flu over the next three years: UN coordinator

28 November 2006
Despite significant progress in the past year to combat the global spread of deadly bird flu, it remains a very real threat particularly in Africa, the United Nations coordinator for response to the disease said today, estimating that up to $1.5 billion in international assistance is needed worldwide over the next two to three years for preventive measures.

Regular assessment of bird flu vaccine in poultry needed after reported virus change – UN

8 November 2006
A reported change in the bird flu virus comes as no surprise but underscores the need to assess regularly vaccines currently in use for poultry, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today.
David Nabarro

Global vigilance is needed to counter bird flu, Indonesia causes concern: UN coordinator

23 October 2006
While the deadly bird flu virus has not spread as widely as feared in Africa, vigilance is still needed across the world to counter its advance and deal with its impact on humans, the United Nations coordinator for the disease said today, expressing in particular “very great concern” over Indonesia, where practically the whole country has been affected.