FAO helps train Cambodian veterinarians on bird flu surveillance

FAO helps train Cambodian veterinarians on bird flu surveillance

July 13, 2007

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is training veterinarians and the rapid response teams from 24 provinces on surveillance of bird flu and outbreak response, said a press release on Friday.

A series of three training courses are being held, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Health and Production of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), in Phnom Penh to enable participants to quickly identify any and all potential cases of avian influenza, and to mount a rapid, appropriate and effective response to suspected and confirmed outbreaks, said the FAO release.

"The training will also instruct the participants in the principles, purposes and practice of effective disease surveillance, both by active and passive methods," said Dr. Guy Freeland, Team Leader of FAO's Avian Influenza Program.

Additionally, the participants will receive practical training on correct and safe collection, storage and shipment of blood and environmental samples to the national laboratory in Phnom Penh to diagnose for the possible presence of avian influenza, he said.

During the training, Nou Muth, MAFF Under Secretary of State and National Coordinator for Avian Influenza, called on the public to co-operate in the surveillance effort by reporting unusual and high mortality in poultry immediately to the village animal health workers or village chiefs or they can call the hotline numbers 012 214 970 or 012 833 795.

"Early reporting will ensure rapid response from the authorities and will help prevent the spread of the disease to other birds and other places," he said.

A parallel course on outbreak response is being held concurrently for police and local government staff who form part of the provincial multi-sector committee on avian influenza, said the press release.

The committee supports the Provincial Animal Health Office to enforce all necessary controls in response to an outbreak, said Kao Phal, Director of the Ministry's Animal Health and Production Department.

Avian Influenza is a dangerous infectious disease that causes serious illness and death in poultry. Humans can get infected with, and die from it.

Cambodia is among the countries in Southeast Asia that experienced poultry and human deaths due to avian influenza. Cambodia reported 22 outbreaks in poultry since 2004 and seven human deaths, the latest case occurred in Kampong Cham in April 2007.

Source: Xinhua