Is there a human health risk if there are animal disease outbreaks? Is there a specific risk for the spread of Avian Influenza?
Yes, there is always a risk of spread of infectious and parasitic diseases, including zoonotic diseases (common to animals and humans) such as rabies and Avian Influenza. Concerning Avian Influenza, there have been no confirmed outbreaks of this disease associated with the tsunami crisis. However, in view of the prevailing circumstances with the rapid movement of poultry associated with people movement, the lack of sanitation and housing and the breakdown of surveillance systems there is a high potential of risk for outbreaks of this disease in the first weeks after the tsunami. The immediate reestablishment of animal disease surveillance through the rehabilitation of the Veterinary Services, will allow early detection and early reaction to potential outbreaks of avian influenza. This will permit the adoption of counter epizootic measures such as vaccination and disease awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of avian influenza infections.
