FAO warns of spread of human influenza to poultry farms

[Tonka]

http://www.radio.uchile.cl/notas2.asp?idNota=55158

27-8-2009 15:11
Translation: Spanish ? English

FAO warns of spread of human influenza to poultry farms



Detection of human influenza virus in turkeys in Chile generated concern that poultry worldwide may be infected by evil, which continues to circulate among the human population, according to the Organization of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) .

On 20 August, the Chilean authorities reported the presence of human influenza virus in turkeys from two farms located near Valparaiso.

The strain of virus found in birds is identical to that circulating in the human population worldwide, said the entity.

However, said the discovery of the virus in turkeys is not an immediate threat to human health, and can continue to market meat from these birds processed in a hygienic manner and subject to the relevant veterinary inspection.

 

[Tonka]

Re: FAO warns of spread of human influenza to poultry farms

Translation: Spanish ? English
http://lta.reuters.com/article/topNews/idLTASIE57Q1FN20090828

Poultry at risk in turkeys after H1N1 cases Chileans: FAO
Thursday, 27 August, 2009 12:43 PM EDT Print [-] Text [+]
1 1Tama?o CompletoMILAN (Reuters) - The poultry may be at risk after the outbreak of H1N1 was detected in turkeys Chileans last week, warned on Thursday the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) .

Therefore the entity called for improved surveillance of animal health.

The outbreak in Chile was the first case of the virus, popularly known as swine flu, found outside of humans and pigs. However, the South American country said it did not involve a threat to public health.

"The detection of H1N1 virus in turkeys in Chile increasing concerns that poultry farms elsewhere in the world can become infected with the pandemic strain of flu currently circulating among people," FAO said in a statement.

The current H1N1 strain is more deadly than the common virus of seasonal influenza, but could become more dangerous if combined with the utmost virulence H5N1, known as bird flu, which is far more lethal, said FAO.

"In Southeast Asia, where there are many viruses circulating in poultry, the introduction of H1N1 in these populations would be of great concern," said interim chief veterinarian FAO, Juan Lubroth.

The discovery of the H1N1 virus in turkeys does not imply any immediate threat to human health and turkey meat can be sold even after the process of hygiene and veterinary inspection, said the UN organization that values Chile's decision not to eliminate infected birds.

FAO urged developing countries to improve veterinary inspections, disease control and ensure that they meet the guidelines on good hygiene practices.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared in June H1N1 influenza pandemic. The virus has now been expanded by some 180 countries and caused at least 1799 deaths confirmed by laboratory. The WHO said weeks ago that the pandemic is impossible to stop.

(Reporting by Svetlana Kovalyova; Spanish Editing by Alex Richardson)



? Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved.

 

[Tonka]

Re: FAO warns of spread of human influenza to poultry farms

http://www.consumer.es/seguridad-alimentaria/2009/08/28/187686.php

Translation: Spanish ? English

The Chilean authorities confirm the presence of influenza A virus in two turkey farms
The strain found in birds is identical to that responsible for pandemic spread throughout the world

Release Date: August 28, 2009 The Chilean government has reported the presence of H1N1 virus in two turkey farms in the city of Valparaiso. It has also confirmed that the virus strain found in birds is identical to the cause of the global pandemic. Nevertheless, this finding no risk to human health. The authorities note that the consumption of turkey meat is safe and that their marketing does not have to be interrupted, provided that they comply with the relevant hygiene and veterinary controls.

FAO has praised the quick reaction of the Chilean health agencies, which has established a temporary quarantine for the animals sick. In addition, the Chief Veterinary Officer of this entity, Juan Lubroth, has endorsed the decision of the country's authorities not to slaughter the birds. "Once you have recovered, it is possible to continue production and processing of foods safely. Not pose any risk to food chain," said Lubroth.

Although the influenza A virus has shown its ability to spread faster, experts say it is more deadly than the strain responsible for seasonal flu. However, it warned that it could become more virulent if it were to be combined with other variants, for example, the strain responsible for bird flu (H5N1). In this sense, the head veterinarian of the FAO, says: "Chile does not have the flu caused by H5N1, but whether the outbreak had occurred in Southeast Asia would have been more worrying." This situation could occur if there were cases of individuals affected by both viral strains simultaneously.

For this reason, United Nations recommends a fence closer monitoring animal health. Calls for a rigorous observance of hygiene guidelines for farming purposes, and to avoid contact between animals and humans at the slightest symptom in either party. Similarly, points out the importance of strengthening the veterinary services of developing countries. "They must have adequate diagnostic capability, equipment and resources to be able to respond to emergencies," said the FAO veterinary officer responsible