Thursday, August 27, 2009

FAO fears that the birds spread AH1N1 after detected in turkeys in Chile

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Roma, 27 ago (EFE) .- The United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) AH1N1 fears the virus spreading to poultry farms around the world, following the recent detection of the cause of influenza A in turkeys in Chile.

According to FAO said today in a press release, the Chilean authorities reported on 20 August the virus in turkeys from two farms on the outskirts of the city of Valparaiso, a strain identical to that circulates between the human population of the planet.


However, the FAO points out, the discovery of the virus in turkeys is not an immediate threat to human health and can sell turkey meat hygienically processed and submitted to the relevant veterinary inspection.


"The reaction of the Chilean authorities to the discovery of the virus in turkeys, with their speed when reporting to international organizations and establish a temporary quarantine, and its decision to allow sick birds recover instead of sacrifice, it is sensible from a scientific standpoint, "says acting chief veterinary officer of FAO, Juan Lubroth.


"Once the diseased birds have been recovered, it is possible to continue production and processed foods safely. Not pose any risk to food chain," he adds.


The FAO says that the current strain of AH1N1 is a combination of human genes, pigs and poultry, for the moment, there is more lethal than the virus of seasonal influenza, although it could worsen if combined with H5N1, the avian influenza.


"Chile has not motivated by the H5N1 flu. If the outbreak had occurred in Southeast Asia, where the virus circulates in abundance among the poultry population, the introduction of influenza A viruses have caused greater concern, affects Lubroth .


"We need to increase surveillance of the situation in animals and strengthen veterinary services in poor countries with economies in transition, thus providing them with adequate diagnostic capability and field teams competent and adequately resourced to respond to emergencies, "he adds.

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