Avian Influenza Situation In Bangladesh Stable, But Risks Remain

Dhaka, Bangladesh (AHN) – The Avian Influenza (AI) situation in Bangladesh has remained stable with significantly less outbreaks reported during 2009 and 2010, the World Bank reported from Dhaka on Sunday. However, Bangladeshis are still at risk for further outbreaks since 50 percent of the national poultry flock is backyard poultry.

Bangladesh also has a large duck population (about 39 million) and is visited annually by about 21 species of migratory birds that can carry the virus. These risk factors, coupled with a high population density, means the country remains in danger of possible outbreaks.

The Bangladesh government has initiated the ‘Avian Influenza Preparedness and Response Project (AIPRP)’ to address the threat posed by the virus to humans. The AIRRP, co-financed by the World Bank and Avian and Human Influenza Trust Fund (AHI TF), began in October 2007. The project is aligned with the government’s national avian and pandemic influence preparedness and response plan, which identifies priorities and reflects what needs to be done to contain and control the disease.

To ensure the achievement of the project outcomes, the World Bank has urged the government to accelerate its project implementation pace.

It has been suggested that a contract be signed with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to provide technical assistance to mobilize technical teams and provide implementation support.

“Uninterrupted continuation of the ongoing surveillance activities in 260 Upazilas (sub-districts), and carrying out a co-ordinated training program for various stakeholders also remains top priorities at this phase of the project implementation,” it added.

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