FAO report: Role of migratory birds in spread of bird flu (H5N8)
04 November, 2016
Migratory birds have been linked to the spread of bird flu - H5N8 in the past few months. After an outbreak was reported from Tyva in Southern Russian Federation in September this year, it was predicted to spread further based on movement patterns of the migratory birds. Following this outbreak, H5N8 was recently detected in Hungary and India. Though genetic information is required to confirm whether the strains are similar in these three locations, it is strongly suggestive of a significant role played by migratory birds in expanse of bird flu viruses.
Based on this observation, FAO through it's Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRESS - AH) has
advised countries falling on movement pathways of wild birds to adopt enhanced surveillance methods. Countries in the Middle East, European Union, West Africa, former Soviet Union and South Asia are at risk till March/ April next year. The organisation disapproves of any action on wild birds including pre-emptive culling and/ or habitat destruction.
It is important to note here that the risk of human infection with H5N8 remains low. To date, no human cases have been identified.
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