Kyrgyz Authorities Fear Bird Flu
As the western world worries about swine flu, Kyrgyzstan with its eastern location is still concerned about the avian variety.
Kyrgyz Authorities Fear Bird Flu
As the western world worries about swine flu, Kyrgyzstan with its eastern location is still concerned about the avian variety.
This Central Asian state lies on the migration route for a number of species flying between south-east Asia and the Caspian region.
According to reporter Eleonora Mambetshakirova, the Kyrgyz authorities are taking steps to prevent the disease taking hold, even though no cases have been recorded in the country.
Health ministry expert Marat Umarov says more work needs to be done to raise awareness.
“We can’t say that [cases of] bird flu aren’t going to be recorded in Kyrgyzstan,” he said.
Omurbek Tashiev of the government agency for controlling infectious diseases says people are largely unaware of bird flu or how to prevent it. Farmers fail to consult vets when poultry falls ill, and sometimes they eat the birds that die. As a result the authorities are unable to keep track of outbreaks, he said.
One farmer described how she obtained vaccines from the market and treated her poultry herself, as best she could.
According to reporter Eleonora Mambetshakirova, the Kyrgyz authorities are taking steps to prevent the disease taking hold, even though no cases have been recorded in the country.
Health ministry expert Marat Umarov says more work needs to be done to raise awareness.
“We can’t say that [cases of] bird flu aren’t going to be recorded in Kyrgyzstan,” he said.
Omurbek Tashiev of the government agency for controlling infectious diseases says people are largely unaware of bird flu or how to prevent it. Farmers fail to consult vets when poultry falls ill, and sometimes they eat the birds that die. As a result the authorities are unable to keep track of outbreaks, he said.
One farmer described how she obtained vaccines from the market and treated her poultry herself, as best she could.
