THE FULL SCALE OF THE BIRD FLU THREAT TO AFRICA

POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS SEEN AS MAIN CAUSE IN OUTBREAKS, RATHER THAN THE TRAVAILS OF WILD BIRDS

From The East African magazine : "While countries in the region have been quick to form task forces to control bird flu, and have also responded swiftly to protect their poultry industries, some observers say little has been done to cushion the tourism industry from the likely shocks. This is despite the fact that tourism is a key income earner for East Africa, and that birding in particular is becoming an important attraction for high-spending tourists.

"In Africa, bird flu has been reported in Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Egypt, which raised the prospects of hard times for East Africa's main birding destinations, even though there has been no trace of the virus in the region. Thousands of wild birds have been tested (both dead and apparently healthy) throughout major migratory bird stopover sites in Mauritania, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Senegal, Botswana and Cote d'Ivoire.

"....the feeding of poultry manure/ poultry litter should be banned in countries affected by or at risk from avian influenza, even if it is correctly composted, ensiled or dried with heat treatment. The use of poultry litter in livestock feeding is widespread in East Africa and across the continent.

"At the beginning of February, the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said the deadly strain of bird flu had been found in poultry in northern Nigeria. This was the first time that the disease was detected in Africa.

"Birds infected with the H5N1 excrete virus particles in their faeces. Putting untreated faeces from infected birds into fish ponds and on to fields provides a potential new source of infection. Researchers say although recognised as early as 1988, the risks of this practice for spreading influenza viruses remain little investigated."