Health Minister Horace Dalley (second right) discusses issues related to a possible avian influenza pandemic with Dr. Keith Amiel (left), president of the Caribbean Poultry Association; Dr. Ernest Pate (second left), Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Jamaica; and Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Land, shortly before a PAHO/WHO workshop on risk communication for avian and pandemic influenza at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, yesterday. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WITH THE activation of the Animal Disease Preparedness Plan, Jamaica is ready for an avian influenza (bird flu) pandemic, according to Health Minister Horace Dalley.
Mr. Dalley said yesterday that Cabinet approved $13.5 million last year to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity with the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Health Minister was speaking at a workshop on risk communication for bird flu at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.
During the workshop Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Land, noted the effort also received a boost of US$500,000 (J$32.5 million) from the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
The $13.5 million approved by Cabinet will provide for training of individuals and the acquisition of equipment to prepare for the deadly disease.
The Health Minister said the current programme provides surveillance for farm poultry, migratory and shore birds.
"It is important that all poultry producers maintain strict hygiene, cleansing and disinfecting standards, as the disease is believed to be transmitted by the droppings of migratory bird," he warned.
NOT JUST HEALTH SECTOR
Mr. Dalley emphasised that the fight against the disease is not a matter solely for the health sector. Therefore, in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry, a National Avian Influenza Pandemic Plan is also being developed.
According to Dr. Ernest Pate, representing the Pan American and World Health organisations in Jamaica, countries affected by bird flu have, since 2003, seen more than 4,200 breakouts in poultry and 205 confirmed cases in humans, resulting in the death of 113 persons worldwide.
He warned that if the disease becomes transmissible between humans, a new 'human influenza virus' and an influenza pandemic could be expected.
